Star Child: A Supernatural Suspense Novella with a Christmas Twist

Haunted for the Holidays

by Holly Knightley

Did you ever stop and think when you wish upon a star who’s answering your wish?

Angelique Warner and her brother watched a star fall from the sky and land in the lake on Christmas Eve. Angelique thought it was the Christmas Star leading them to something magical, but it only led to her brother drowning. Years later, while on her way to spend the holidays with her best friend, Angelique runs into a man she believes to be her dead brother. Unsure if it is a Christmas miracle or if something sinister is at play, Angelique determines to figure out what really happened at the lake all those years ago, even if it kills her.

Star Child is part of the Haunted for the Holidays series. If you like books you can finish in one sitting that will keep you on the edge of your seat, then you will love this page turner.

Each novella is a standalone and can be read in any order.

Buy Star Child today and find out where wishes go when they die.

Kindle Edition

Expected publication November 15, 2026

Reviews

[Stacy]

ARC REVIEW

99 pages

Angelique doesn’t celebrate Christmas anymore. Honestly, fair. Her brother died on Christmas Day 10 years ago, so she’s officially over the whole Merry Christmas! thing.

Then, while she’s near her old home, she swears she sees and has a conversation with her dead brother. Because apparently Christmas wasn’t already emotionally complicated enough.

When she gets to her old cabin, she’s happy to see a blast from the past: her old friend Asher. Unfortunately, Asher does NOT share her enthusiasm. He’s holding a grudge, and apparently he’s been saving it for a decade.

But grudges aren’t the only things being held onto around here. There are secrets. There are lies. And there are things buried here… literally.

I really enjoyed this little book! It got weird in some spots (which, personally, is a feature, not a bug), and the twists actually caught me off guard. I never quite knew where the story was going, which is exactly how I like my books.

Thanks to Book Sirens for sending me an advanced copy to read and review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Carl Bluesy]

What an amazing story of grief and insanity. Losing a family member is always harder, but that is multiplied when you’re a kid and is your brother. The guilt that the main character feels is so realistic, and makes you really care for her. It also makes her what seems I can seem claims of seeing her dead brother run up and walking around the live a little bit more reasonable.

This was a fun holiday treat! And yet another reason in an endless stack of reasons of why I always love to read Holly’s book! The plot is clever, and the characters are so real!

[Bookaholic__Reviews]

Rtc

[Ann Marie]

A paranormal thriller for Christmas, Holly Knightley does it again. This book is the 3rd book in the Haunted for the Holidays stories and it was really good, I loved the whole story around the lake and Quiet Falls and the Christmas Star, just be careful when you make a wish. I really thought it was a bit creepy in places but all in it was great story and the ending surprised me I was definitely not expecting that.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Amanda Hopwood]

Thank you Book Sirens for the Advanced Reader Copy for my honest review


Not all Christmas stories are fluffy, cozy and happy.

Sometimes there are Christmas stories that are creepy and scary and low key ghostly. This is one of those !

This book kept me locked in and needing to know the lore of the creepy lake and why did people go missing in it on Christmas Eve?

Definitely a fantastic Christmas ghost story

[Patricia]

Holly's books always give me a sense of nostalgia, and a bit of sadness is always like a layer of fog over the stories. This is the second Christmas book I've read by her (if you haven't read Second Christmas, what are you waiting for? 😊)

Star light, star bright,
First star I see tonight;
I wish I may, I wish I might
Have the wish I wish tonight.

From her earliest childhood memory, Angelique remembered looking out the window every night and reciting that poem as she watched the twinkling stars in the night sky. This is a heartbreaking story about a little brother who goes chasing a star and drowns in the lake outside the family home one Christmas Eve. Later, other people go missing - same time, same lake.

I don't often read paranormal suspense, but when I do, I like it to be a novella by Holly Knightly. Thank you to BookSirens for the advance eARC.

[Dust Jackets and Diamonds]

This one kept me hooked from the very beginning! I loved the atmosphere and eerie vibes! Holly had me questioning what was real and who I could trust, while at the same time making “just one more chapter” impossible to resist. And the twists! I did not see them coming! If you enjoy mystery, emotion, and plenty of secrets, you’ll want to read this short story!

[Fabiola Meza C.]

I received an advance reader copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 out of 5 stars)
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Summary

Angelique left her small town after her brother drowned and never went back. With the 10-year anniversary of his death approaching, all she wants is to spend some time with her friend Zola. But all of her plans go sideways when she runs into her brother at a gas station—10 years older, alive, and with no idea who she is.

What’s going on, and why is it happening now?
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What I Liked


- As always, these stories are creepy, and I never know what to expect.
- The tragedies are consistently woven throughout these books, and I really love that.
- Shout-out to the random Twilight reference!
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What I Didn’t Like

- It’s kind of weird that Angelique is so focused on her crush when her friend is missing.
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Tropes & Content Warnings

Tropes:
- Mysterious things are happening
- Traumatic past
- Unhappy ending

Content Warnings:
- Death/murder
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Favorite Quote

“Did you ever stop and think when you wish upon a star, who’s answering your wish? Is it God, or is it something else?”

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My Review

This is the third novella in the Haunted for the Holiday series, and it delivers exactly what it promises: creepy, short, and Christmas-themed.

I’ve enjoyed all three novellas so far, and since they aren’t connected, you can read them as standalones, out of order, or in release order. The characters are interesting, the horror and suspense are just as engaging as in the other installments, and I’ve definitely become a fan of Holly Knightley!
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Would I Recommend This Book?

Yes! - I’d recommend this to anyone who loves paranormal stories, thrillers, and Christmas vibes. It’s a quick, creepy read that’s perfect if you’re looking for something spooky with a holiday twist.

[Sophia]

As I’ve said before, it’s hard for me not to love the novellas Holly writes. As soon as I saw this one, I couldn't wait to embark on the adventure. And let’s be honest—the cover is fantastic, too. For me, it ticks all the boxes.

This is the third novella in the *Haunted for Holidays* series, and it certainly lived up to my expectations. Angelique doesn't like Christmas. Her brother drowned on Christmas morning ten years ago, so the holiday brings her no joy or celebration. One day, at a gas station, she spots her brother Luke—who is supposed to be dead. It’s his voice and his face (albeit older), yet he doesn't recognize her or know who she is. Determined to uncover the truth, she returns to her hometown, her childhood home, and the lake where it all happened. Will her Christmas wish come true? Will she finally make a wish—something she never believed in before?

While reading, I imagined several directions the story might take, but I was completely off the mark. That’s what I love about Holly’s books: everything I think I know turns out to be wrong, and the ending delivers a completely unexpected twist. Her writing style is excellent; in these stories of around a hundred pages, she distills everything perfectly, leaving no room for boredom. Excellent in every way. But I will be honest…I did wish for a different ending!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Carly]

ARC Review
Star Child
A Supernatural Suspense Novella with a Christmas Twist
Author: Holly Knightley
Genre: Paranormal Thriller
Tropes: Missing Persons, Paranormal, Supernatural, Isolated Local
After reading Piggy HK has become one of my go to authors. This was a quick read, but the story was not lacking. I started trying to guess what was really going on from the gas station all the way to the final scene. Ugh my heart. You won’t be sure who to believe and don’t try to. This is not as much a Christmas story but event that take place around Christmas, so don’t let that deter you if holidays aren’t your jam. The FMC is only looking for answers when she runs into a long forgotten best friend (MMC), the relationship seems familiar but it’s clear that something is not right. We follow the FMC while she starts searching for answers about her brother that she was sure had drowned.


Triggers: I don’t have any triggers and I won’t helicopter yours. Always check your triggers and be good to yourself. The locations are well built and the characters are easy to picture. The writing is easy so if you’re a fast reader you’re not going to miss a thing.
I received an ARC for free from the Author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
#bookstagram #readersofinstagram #ARC #indie #review

[Chere Gruver]

Did Angelique really see Luke?

Christmas has never been a good time for Angelique and her family, not since her little brother Luke, drowned in the lake. So Angelique decided to spend this Christmas with her best friend, Zora and her family. On the way, she stops for gas in a town called, of all things, the North Pole. When she goes to pay, the cashier turns out to be her dead little brother, just a grown-up version of him. So what does Angelique do? Of course, she goes back to the cabin on the lake where he drowned to talk to her old neighbor Asher. Once again, Holly Knightley proves her talent in the horror genre with her latest offering. This one reads just like an old episode of “The Twilight Zone.” Cue Rod Serling. Honestly, I could hear him delivering the ending of the story, “Imagine if you will…” because yes, there was definitely a twist at the end that I did not see coming and that totally surprised me. I have yet to pick up anything by Holly Knightley that I did not thoroughly enjoy reading.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jody Vogler]

I was NOT expecting those twists in any way shape or form tbh!

This was such a quick, spooky little read that completely caught me off guard. The pacing was fast, the mystery had me questioning everything, and you can REALLY FEEL Angelique’s pain and desperation as she tries to figure out what happened that Christmas Eve at the lake. Haunting and Heartbreaking all at once!

The perfect pick for when you need something nice n short between bigger reads but still want a story that will just keep you guessing.

I'll never look at the nursery rhyme Star Light, Star Bright the same way, that's for sure!!

I read this one as a standalone, but now I’m definitely going back for the rest of the Haunted for the Holidays series when I’m ready for more Christmas creepiness. I think I found myself a new favorite author in Holly!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks so much Book Sirens!!

[Crystal]

Holly Knightley never fails to pull me into her stories, and Star Child was no exception. I’m not sure how she manages to fit this much atmosphere, emotion, and mystery into such a short read, but somehow she does it every time.

Angelique’s grief and guilt felt incredibly real, and I understood why she couldn’t simply brush off what she thought she was seeing.

I loved how the mystery kept shifting as the story went on. The pacing is quick, the atmosphere is wonderfully creepy, and there’s an emotional thread running through it that gives the story some weight.

Another Holly Knightley book that reminded me exactly why she has become a “read whatever she puts out” author for me. I genuinely love her books, and Star Child was another fantastic addition to the list.

Thank you so much @hollyknightley for the #gifted earc! All opinions are my own.

[Claressa Hallman]

Have you ever wished upon a star? Have you ever worried that if a wish was granted, something would be taken in return?

Angelique has been haunted by her brother's death for years. A devastating drowning on Christmas Eve has led her to dread the holiday season. When she returns to the scene of his death, she learns that maybe he wasn't the intended victim after all.

This was another solid supernatural Christmas thriller by Holly Knightley.

I loved the pacing and how the reveals played out. I found it hard to trust anyone, including Angelique. To me, she was an unreliable narrator. The plot was captivating and I loved the sinister vibes.

Holly Knightley is the Queen of horror! She had a wide range of books and novellas available for the avid thriller/horror reader to check out!

Thank you Holly and Book Sirens for this gifted ARC.

[Melanie Deal]

I thoroughly enjoyed this novella from Holly Knightley. It's the first I've read from her, and though this book is the third of a series, it's definitely a standalone in my eyes. This book had me hooked right from the beginning and never stopped. I love the way Knightly writes, and I really loved Angelique… I cared about her and was truly invested in her journey to find out what happened to her brother on that fateful Christmas Eve. The ending, for me, was very satisfying… it might not have been a "unicorn and rainbows" ending, but it was perfect in my opinion. I can't wait to read the other two books in this series.

Thank you to Booksirens for an ARC of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kristen N]

A thriller story? Yes, but a thriller story based around the time of Christmas... Absolutely sign me up.

Angelique loses her brother on Christmas ten years ago, it takes away the appeal for celebration, but on her way through town she sees him and its not just the ghost of her little brother. Its the full grown adult of her brother, sending her back to the lake that has taken him away from her.

Holly does a fantastic job of intertwining the holiday into an absolute mystery of a thriller story. Never in my life would I have expected what ending she gave us, taking it one direction, ripping it away and then giving us another one that leaves your heart beating fast as it's breaking at the same time.

[Christina Frøkjær]

What happens when we wish upon a star and the wish is granted? That is, what Star Child explores.

Over very few pages Knightley manages to tell a strong and impactful story without ever letting go of the important tropes of the horror genre.

We follow Angelique, who is on her way to survive Christmas with her friend Zora. But nothing goes to plan and it is delightful to follow.

Before the last twist, we had an ending, I did not like, but once again I got fooled and the real ending tore a star shaped hole in my soul.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lindsay]

How does one pack so much into a very short story? I don’t know, but I’m sure glad Holly Knightley does because Star Child is yet another from her that delivers! Holly has quickly become a ‘read whatever they put out’ author for me – so I jumped at the chance to get an ARC – thanks to Booksirens and Holly, I am leaving this review voluntarily.
For a roughly 100 page novella – the story hits the heart strings and gives you the creeps! A small isolated town, all wound up on wishes and a long standing tradition. The characters were developed, and I felt connected. The setting was well laid out, and the twists and turns kept me guessing til the end.

[Leslie Walbolt]

I can’t say enough about how much I enjoy books by Holly Knightley. Star Child is no different. Holly always delivers. Another Christmas story that involves grief, guilt and reliving the past. When Angelique sees her dead brother as a cashier at a gas station, it sets off sad memories and regret. Since her brother died in the lake, Christmas has never been the same. I felt for Angelique. I could feel how she was feeling. In the end, there was a lot of guessing but I thought the ending was perfect.

Thank you BookSirens and Holly Knightley for the opportunity to review this book. She is one of my favorite authors.

[noah]

(3.75)

This was a paranormal suspense thriller set around Christmas and instantly had me hooked. I just had to know what who was the star child, what was happening with the lake?!
This exceeded my expectations and I’m so happy to have read it when I’m not sure if I would have otherwise. I did not expect anything that was coming and when I saw I was at the 80% mark with what I thought had to be the end, I knew I wasn’t moving until it was done and something big was coming! I’m defintiely reading the author’s other work!

Thank you so much to BookSirens and Holly Knightley for letting me read an advanced reader’s copy :-)

[Josette Thomas]

When I read a book by this author, one never knows what kind of story will be told. This one dragged me into the pages. Once I began reading I knew I would not stop until I finished the story. The lake was something to be fearful about. The fact that it resembled a black hole should have been a clue to let me know there would be something terrifying about to happen. The more I read, I realized this was not going to end well. Knowing the whole community was involved was shocking. Especially when the reader finds out at the same time as Angelique. Another immensely satisfying read in this series of horror filled reads.

[Tiffany]

I received an ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Star Child by Holly Knightley is book 3 in her Haunted for the Holidays series. Each book is a stand-alone story with a unique tale of suspense.

In this novella, a young woman named Angelique finds herself back at the site of a family tragedy from a decade ago. She goes to enlist the aid of a former friend/neighbor only to find out that not everything is as it seems. Star Child is a good, quick read that keeps your attention from start to finish with quite a twist at the end!

Thank you, Book Sirens, for the ARC!

[Ginger Kat]

I really liked The Groundskeeper's Daughter. I thought it was charming and spooky, a perfect Christmas ghost story. So I had high hopes for Star Child. And I'm glad to say I was satisfied by this novella. There was small town mystery, Christmas whimsy, and another cute guy. Another couple to love, another spooky Christmas story read around the holidays. I received a free copy of this story and write this review voluntarily.

[Nicolle Persoon]

As a good suspense story should this had me completely engulfed, rereading pieces and reading twists at every corner.

I know the saying is: be careful what you wish for… but this gets a totally new meaning in this story.

Liked the characters, loved the surroundings and had me on my toes the entire read.

Received an arc and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Robert Foland]

"Star Child" is a captivating horror tale set against a Christmas backdrop. Holly Knightley once again delivers a chilling narrative that is both intense and thought-provoking. It’s a quick yet enthralling read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Annemarie]

This was more 'tragic' than 'scary' for me. Still, it should make everyone wary about wishing on a star. You never know what the cost will be, nor who will have to pay it.

I received a free Advance Reader Copy of this book through BookSirens and have chosen to leave a review.

[Nancy]

Angelique loses her brother while watching a falling star. Years later, she returns to the area and swears she has seen him. But can the dead come back?
Great story plot and development, making you want to know what happens next. The shooting star aspect of the story makes it magical.

[Megan Carbone]

Arc review from booksirens
The book was good but sometimes a little disjointed. The main character would be talking about one thing then switch to something else completely out of no where. The story was really good and made me feel for the characters. Overall I liked the book.

[Aurelie Duncanson]

Star Child was mysterious, eerie, and emotional. It kept me guessing, and I loved never quite knowing where the story would take me. I felt so connected to Angelique, and the story truly touched my heart. Holly, you made me feel so much with this one! Another wonderful read!

[Terry]

This was a magical and slightly creepy read.
The secret of The Star Child and the lake. Interwoven and intriguing.
As always this author never disappoints
But remember be careful what you wish for when you see that shooting star