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Eve's Still Dead
Not yet published
Expected 27 Oct 26It’s been a year since Asher’s wife, Eve, died in a tragic car accident the night of their wedding. Despite his best efforts, Asher is still overwhelmed with grief. He’s trying to be a decent man for his students, but how can he possibly give his all when the one whom his soul loves has vanished?
Desperate to feel connected to his late bride, Asher takes his therapist’s advice and honors Eve’s memory by decorating for the holidays—something she would’ve loved. It works, for a brief moment, as the gin, sugar cookies, and twinkle lights swirl together, comforting him in his time of need. But then he stumbles across Eve’s wedding present, and everything changes.
It’s an Advent calendar, with a daily note from beyond the grave.
His Eve is speaking to him, and Asher must respond, whether he wants to or not.
EVE’S STILL DEAD is a psychologically twisted A Christmas Carol retelling, perfect for fans of Love, Mom; The Silent Patient; and Catriona Ward.
Desperate to feel connected to his late bride, Asher takes his therapist’s advice and honors Eve’s memory by decorating for the holidays—something she would’ve loved. It works, for a brief moment, as the gin, sugar cookies, and twinkle lights swirl together, comforting him in his time of need. But then he stumbles across Eve’s wedding present, and everything changes.
It’s an Advent calendar, with a daily note from beyond the grave.
His Eve is speaking to him, and Asher must respond, whether he wants to or not.
EVE’S STILL DEAD is a psychologically twisted A Christmas Carol retelling, perfect for fans of Love, Mom; The Silent Patient; and Catriona Ward.
188 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 27, 2026
About the author
Amy Tackett
10 books214 followersAmy is an Amazon bestselling dark fiction author who was born in the heart of Appalachia before later relocating to the Midwest. She is an active ITW member, holds a Bachelor's degree in journalism, and has a professional background in content marketing. When Amy’s not writing, you can find her playing with her wild (lovable) children, hiding her book purchases from her husband, or rambling way too much on her Instagram stories. You can connect with her here: @authoramytackett.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 28, 2026
Consider this my love letter to the original Christmas ghost story 🎄💌
September 30, 2026
I really enjoyed “Eve’s Still Dead” by Amy Tackett! This was such a fun plot and I loved the darker, more intense take on A Christmas Carol. It’s meant to be read as an advent book, which I thought was a really cool idea. I read this one in a single sitting and thoroughly enjoyed it!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This new book by Amy Tackett is a dark, psychological thriller that reimagines Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol through an Advent calendar format.
It is also so much more than that. A story of profound grief, childhood trauma, adult trauma, abuse, addiction, and death.
It has been exactly one year since Asher’s wife, Eve, died in a tragic car crash on the night of their Christmas wedding. Asher is trying to hold his life together while teaching. However, as December 1 arrives, he receives an unusual Advent calendar containing 25 daily notes—seemingly written from beyond the grave by Eve herself.
But how can this be happening? As readers, we follow his journey - and I was thinking - this is not a thriller. A bit paranormal and mysterious, perhaps, but not a thriller.
Asher is dragged through a dark accounting of his past, present, and future as long-buried secrets surface over the 25 days leading up to Christmas.
Then, this story turns sideways! I actually said "Oh My God" several times as the twists are revealed. The day-by-day pacing creates tension and suspense. This clever format kept me completely engaged in the story.
The juxtaposition of festive Christmas against the shocking twists creates a perfect, chilling story. And the ending...WOWSERS!!
A completely bingeable, read-in-one-sitting horror/thriller.
4.5 stars
☆Thank you to NetGalley and Amy Tackett for this ARC. All opinions are my own.☆
It is also so much more than that. A story of profound grief, childhood trauma, adult trauma, abuse, addiction, and death.
It has been exactly one year since Asher’s wife, Eve, died in a tragic car crash on the night of their Christmas wedding. Asher is trying to hold his life together while teaching. However, as December 1 arrives, he receives an unusual Advent calendar containing 25 daily notes—seemingly written from beyond the grave by Eve herself.
But how can this be happening? As readers, we follow his journey - and I was thinking - this is not a thriller. A bit paranormal and mysterious, perhaps, but not a thriller.
Asher is dragged through a dark accounting of his past, present, and future as long-buried secrets surface over the 25 days leading up to Christmas.
Then, this story turns sideways! I actually said "Oh My God" several times as the twists are revealed. The day-by-day pacing creates tension and suspense. This clever format kept me completely engaged in the story.
The juxtaposition of festive Christmas against the shocking twists creates a perfect, chilling story. And the ending...WOWSERS!!
A completely bingeable, read-in-one-sitting horror/thriller.
4.5 stars
☆Thank you to NetGalley and Amy Tackett for this ARC. All opinions are my own.☆
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Elowyn Publishing Co for an advanced copy of this title.
I really enjoyed the dark and eerie atmosphere of this story, especially with it taking place during the Christmas season. I found myself feeling for Asher as he dealt with his grief, and being mostly in his POV made it easy for me to get caught up in everything he was experiencing.
I liked the way the Advent format worked with the story, with everything unfolding through December as Asher receives a new note each day. The chapters are short and the pacing stayed consistent for me, so the book flowed really well.
What really made this one stand out for me was how unpredictable it became. I thought I had a pretty good idea of where things were going, but the twist completely surprised me. I also liked how the story kept me questioning what was real and what Asher could actually believe as things progressed. This was a quick read for me, but it still managed to pack in plenty of tension and kept me invested throughout.
If you like dark psychological thrillers, eerie mysteries, and unexpected twists, then you will enjoy this book.
#NetGalley #EvesStillDead
Spoilers drop on release day at www.spoiltheplot.com. Until then, explore the site to find your next great thriller!
I really enjoyed the dark and eerie atmosphere of this story, especially with it taking place during the Christmas season. I found myself feeling for Asher as he dealt with his grief, and being mostly in his POV made it easy for me to get caught up in everything he was experiencing.
I liked the way the Advent format worked with the story, with everything unfolding through December as Asher receives a new note each day. The chapters are short and the pacing stayed consistent for me, so the book flowed really well.
What really made this one stand out for me was how unpredictable it became. I thought I had a pretty good idea of where things were going, but the twist completely surprised me. I also liked how the story kept me questioning what was real and what Asher could actually believe as things progressed. This was a quick read for me, but it still managed to pack in plenty of tension and kept me invested throughout.
If you like dark psychological thrillers, eerie mysteries, and unexpected twists, then you will enjoy this book.
#NetGalley #EvesStillDead
Spoilers drop on release day at www.spoiltheplot.com. Until then, explore the site to find your next great thriller!
October 4, 2026
Wow! Amy always does an incredible job when it comes to twists, I truly did not see this one coming. I got about halfway through before I could not put this book down and had to see how it ended. As long as Amy is writing, I will be a fan! Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book, I can't wait to get my physical copy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The story follows Asher as he approaches the one-year anniversary of his wife Eve’s death, which also happens to be their wedding anniversary. Eve was killed in a car accident, and as that difficult date approaches, Asher discovers an Advent calendar the two of them purchased the previous year. Inside is a note from Eve. Except Eve is dead. And somehow, the messages keep coming.
What follows is a wonderfully paced mystery that slowly turns the screws as Asher tries to figure out what exactly is happening and how much of what he’s experiencing can possibly be explained. I flew through this one. The chapters move quickly, the mystery kept me invested, and there was just enough of that eerie, unsettling feeling to make this a perfect read for the season.
And that twist? Oh, I did NOT see it coming. Not even close. I was genuinely baffled, which is exactly what I want from a thriller. I love when I can’t spend the entire book trying to figure out where the author is going because, for once, I actually have no idea.
Amy Tackett has once again delivered the kind of thriller that reminds me why she’s an automatic read for me. Eve’s Still Dead is a spooky, clever reimagining of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol with a mystery at its center, and it’s one I’d happily recommend to anyone looking for something a little eerie, fast-moving, and completely unexpected.
What follows is a wonderfully paced mystery that slowly turns the screws as Asher tries to figure out what exactly is happening and how much of what he’s experiencing can possibly be explained. I flew through this one. The chapters move quickly, the mystery kept me invested, and there was just enough of that eerie, unsettling feeling to make this a perfect read for the season.
And that twist? Oh, I did NOT see it coming. Not even close. I was genuinely baffled, which is exactly what I want from a thriller. I love when I can’t spend the entire book trying to figure out where the author is going because, for once, I actually have no idea.
Amy Tackett has once again delivered the kind of thriller that reminds me why she’s an automatic read for me. Eve’s Still Dead is a spooky, clever reimagining of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol with a mystery at its center, and it’s one I’d happily recommend to anyone looking for something a little eerie, fast-moving, and completely unexpected.
October 5, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
This is my second holiday horror book by Amy Tackett, and I loved it!
“For everyone who hates Hallmark movies” is a great and fitting dedication.
This is a demented retelling of the Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol.
It is also an Advent thriller…one chapter is meant to be read per day starting on December 1st.
For those who intend to read it that way, the author will have a Facebook page for daily discussions and theories, which sounds awesome!
I must admit now that I read this in one day! Couldn’t put it down.
Asher is a writing professor who is grieving his dead wife, Eve. After being married for only 6 hours, she was tragically killed in a car accident. It’s now the following December, and Asher finds her would be Christmas present.
The beautiful Advent calendar is heart breaking at first but quickly becomes rather ominous when letters from his wife begin appearing in the drawers on a daily basis.
Is his dead wife still alive? Is she a ghost? Is someone messing with him?
Great character development, fast paced, short chapters with cliffhangers, and an absolutely shocking ending that I didn’t see coming!
Absolutely would recommend this one for the holidays.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is my second holiday horror book by Amy Tackett, and I loved it!
“For everyone who hates Hallmark movies” is a great and fitting dedication.
This is a demented retelling of the Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol.
It is also an Advent thriller…one chapter is meant to be read per day starting on December 1st.
For those who intend to read it that way, the author will have a Facebook page for daily discussions and theories, which sounds awesome!
I must admit now that I read this in one day! Couldn’t put it down.
Asher is a writing professor who is grieving his dead wife, Eve. After being married for only 6 hours, she was tragically killed in a car accident. It’s now the following December, and Asher finds her would be Christmas present.
The beautiful Advent calendar is heart breaking at first but quickly becomes rather ominous when letters from his wife begin appearing in the drawers on a daily basis.
Is his dead wife still alive? Is she a ghost? Is someone messing with him?
Great character development, fast paced, short chapters with cliffhangers, and an absolutely shocking ending that I didn’t see coming!
Absolutely would recommend this one for the holidays.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Eve's Still Dead by Amy Tackett
This is an advent calendar style book which I didn't even know was a thing until I saw her video on Tiktok and after engaging I saw there's a couple more of this concept. It's so cool to be honest! And I'm happy her book was my first experience reading this style although I read it in one sitting and fell asleep right after the last line staying up until nearly 5am. 😂
I will keep this review short not because I don't have a lot to say, because oh my goodness I do! But because I want people to go into it blind like I did. If you've read a good thriller or a horror you know it takes you on a rollercoaster ride. This one was twisty and just when you think you have it figured out or know how it'll likely end, no you don't. Eve's still dead was sad, dark, eerie and all the emotions that keep you at the edge of your seat through the whole book. It's fast paced and keeps you turning the page.
Definitely pick this book up and if you can, do it as a daily advent read in December! I think I will re-read this in December a chapter at a time this time.
This is an advent calendar style book which I didn't even know was a thing until I saw her video on Tiktok and after engaging I saw there's a couple more of this concept. It's so cool to be honest! And I'm happy her book was my first experience reading this style although I read it in one sitting and fell asleep right after the last line staying up until nearly 5am. 😂
I will keep this review short not because I don't have a lot to say, because oh my goodness I do! But because I want people to go into it blind like I did. If you've read a good thriller or a horror you know it takes you on a rollercoaster ride. This one was twisty and just when you think you have it figured out or know how it'll likely end, no you don't. Eve's still dead was sad, dark, eerie and all the emotions that keep you at the edge of your seat through the whole book. It's fast paced and keeps you turning the page.
Definitely pick this book up and if you can, do it as a daily advent read in December! I think I will re-read this in December a chapter at a time this time.
October 3, 2026
As soon as I saw that this book was an advent calendar style story I jumped on it immediately and I'm so glad I did!
I really enjoyed reading this dark and twisted version of A Christmas Carol, even though I didn't do it the "correct" way and read it pretty much in one sitting. I loved the fast pace and how each day presented new information that drew me more and more into the story. As far as the twists go, I predicted some of them but others took me completely by surprise, and that doesn't happen very often.
I recommend this for anyone who wants a good chilly thriller this Christmas season!
A big thank you to the publisher Elowyn Publishing Co. and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I really enjoyed reading this dark and twisted version of A Christmas Carol, even though I didn't do it the "correct" way and read it pretty much in one sitting. I loved the fast pace and how each day presented new information that drew me more and more into the story. As far as the twists go, I predicted some of them but others took me completely by surprise, and that doesn't happen very often.
I recommend this for anyone who wants a good chilly thriller this Christmas season!
A big thank you to the publisher Elowyn Publishing Co. and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Netgalley for the arc of this one ! I wish I could have read this one as intended over the December month but I really wanted to give it a review. I enjoyed this book! It was suspenseful from the first chapter and I had no idea where it was going to go. The main character receives a note from his fiancé everyday in an advent calendar, the only problem is she is deceased! What follows is a main character you can't fully trust and a wild adventure to get to the answer of what is really occurring. The ending left me shocked. While i slightly figured out a big part of it, there were still so many "hidden eggs" that i still missed quite a bit and it made it a good read ! I read this one in about 2 sittings. I didn't want to put it down.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved this Advent Christmas Story!
Could I have read it like an Advent Book, one chapter at a time? No, probably not. I needed to know who was writing Asher notes! Was it Eve back from the dead? Super creepy! So while I think it will be super fun for someone to read chapter by chapter until Christmas, I was glad to gobble it up in a few sittings.
The writing was beautiful and moody. I definitely loved the winter vibes. Very much Dark Academia.
I would highly recommend this twisty story for anyone who loves horror, or thrillers.
Could I have read it like an Advent Book, one chapter at a time? No, probably not. I needed to know who was writing Asher notes! Was it Eve back from the dead? Super creepy! So while I think it will be super fun for someone to read chapter by chapter until Christmas, I was glad to gobble it up in a few sittings.
The writing was beautiful and moody. I definitely loved the winter vibes. Very much Dark Academia.
I would highly recommend this twisty story for anyone who loves horror, or thrillers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really love the idea of an advent calendar style book so jumped at the chance of reading this, good luck not binging it like I did though! It was so gripping, every reveal left me desperate to know what happens next!
The story touches on grief, addiction, childhood abuse and much more, all in the style of A Christmas Carol. But what are the chains our lead character Asher forged in life? I figured out some of what was going on, but it still had a shocking end!
I would recommend ''Eves Still Dead' and thank Netgalley, Elowyn Publishing Co. and Amy Tackett for the advance copy.
The story touches on grief, addiction, childhood abuse and much more, all in the style of A Christmas Carol. But what are the chains our lead character Asher forged in life? I figured out some of what was going on, but it still had a shocking end!
I would recommend ''Eves Still Dead' and thank Netgalley, Elowyn Publishing Co. and Amy Tackett for the advance copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What really worked for me about Eve’s Still Dead was that underneath the mystery and psychological tension, there is a story about grief and what happens when the person you thought you knew best is suddenly gone. The Advent calendar was a great way to slowly reveal more of Eve and Asher's story, and I loved the anticipation of finding out what each new message would bring. Dark, emotional, and different from what I expected in the best way.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC! I really enjoyed this book. It was short and I did NOT read it in true advent calendar style like I was supposed to but I couldn’t stop! It was too good. I didn’t see the last twist coming and it was great. The only thing I wished it had was more character development cause I want more!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 🌟 rounded up
Thank you to NetGalley & publisher
I absolutely LOVED Secret Santa by this author and have her others on my TBR and when I saw this on NetGalley I immediately requested it! *insert screaming* I loved this one! I absolutely flew through it and could not put it down! It’s an absolutely perfect advent thriller book for Christmas! Pick this one up on release day because it was so good! The fact she’s local to me is a PLUS!
Thank you to NetGalley & publisher
I absolutely LOVED Secret Santa by this author and have her others on my TBR and when I saw this on NetGalley I immediately requested it! *insert screaming* I loved this one! I absolutely flew through it and could not put it down! It’s an absolutely perfect advent thriller book for Christmas! Pick this one up on release day because it was so good! The fact she’s local to me is a PLUS!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Solid 4.5⭐️
My jaw is still on the floor from that ending!!
Read this in one sitting, so good luck to anyone who reads this as an advent calendar each day as I couldn't put it down
This is my first read from this author but I loved her writing style and am so excited to read more of her books
I still can not believe the twist of this book at all I didn't expect it at all
**Thank you netgalley and Elowyn publishing co for this eArc ***
My jaw is still on the floor from that ending!!
Read this in one sitting, so good luck to anyone who reads this as an advent calendar each day as I couldn't put it down
This is my first read from this author but I loved her writing style and am so excited to read more of her books
I still can not believe the twist of this book at all I didn't expect it at all
**Thank you netgalley and Elowyn publishing co for this eArc ***
October 2, 2026
Eve’s Still Dead is A Christmas Carol retelling with an INSANE twist! This book is set up so it can be read advent calendar style, as an advent calendar plays heavily into the story, but let’s face it… I don’t have the restraint for all that, so I totally read the whole thing in one sitting! 😂 This was my second holiday-themed book by Amy Tackett, and I’m definitely a fan!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Well I really liked this book a lot.
5 stars from me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This is a perfect Christmas novella. Felt like I was riding a tornado because that TWIST came in strong. Loved every minute of this from the beginning to the end. Recommend!
Thank you #BetGalley for the ARC to read and review!
5 stars from me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This is a perfect Christmas novella. Felt like I was riding a tornado because that TWIST came in strong. Loved every minute of this from the beginning to the end. Recommend!
Thank you #BetGalley for the ARC to read and review!
October 6, 2026
Pick this book up if you want an advent calendar-type of book for Christmas time. You think you have it figured out but nope I flew this book. Thank you Amy and Netgalley for the ARC
October 5, 2026
A Wonderful First Read!
My first book by this author, and it definitely won’t be my last! I love that she’s a Christian author. Although she asked us to wait until Christmas to read this one, I just couldn’t wait and had to finish it before its release! I’m so glad I did. This was such a great read! I had no idea where the story was headed, which made it all the more enjoyable. The author did a wonderful job of bringing everything together and wrapping up the story beautifully. I’m looking forward to reading more from her!
My first book by this author, and it definitely won’t be my last! I love that she’s a Christian author. Although she asked us to wait until Christmas to read this one, I just couldn’t wait and had to finish it before its release! I’m so glad I did. This was such a great read! I had no idea where the story was headed, which made it all the more enjoyable. The author did a wonderful job of bringing everything together and wrapping up the story beautifully. I’m looking forward to reading more from her!
Read
October 3, 2026Eve's Still Dead by new to me author Amy Tackett is published by Elowyn Publishing Co. Asher is a widower who lost his wife Eve 1 year ago in a tragic accident. Still deeply mourning her he gets advice to honor his late wife. So he decorates for thre holidays, finding messages from Eve to him.
A dark read that tchecked all my boxes, I loved the twists and unexpected turns, the writing is exquisit, 5 stars.
A dark read that tchecked all my boxes, I loved the twists and unexpected turns, the writing is exquisit, 5 stars.
October 3, 2026
I had the pleasure of being an ARC reader for this book! I tell you this book definitely had me from the start! I never figured out the twist until it slapped me in the face and man I was mind blown!! This book was amazing! I’ll definitely be picking up more of her books in the future!! What a great Christmas time thriller!!!
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