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The Perfect Christmas: A chilling and twisted festive domestic thriller
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Expected 24 Sep 26Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 24, 2026
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August 19, 2026
The Perfect Christmas
By Charlotte Stephenson
Thank you Charlotte for the arc, I was delighted to have received a copy 💞
Lorelai wants to host the perfect Christmas for her family, she is a bit of a perfectionist so everything needs to be in perfect order. She can’t shift the feeling that she is being watched- but when odd things begin to happen she realises it is not in her imagination. But who is this person and what do they want?
As thrillers go - this thriller thrills!
My jaw dropped at the end of the first chapter and it continues throughout the whole book - it’s dark, eerie and intense and the twists keep twisting.
I loved this book- it’s a page turner. It’s gripping, chilling and once you start you won’t be able to put it down. Small chapters and dual timelines, it is out on 24th September and one not to be missed!!
(Currently available for preorder for €2 on Amazon 😉)
By Charlotte Stephenson
Thank you Charlotte for the arc, I was delighted to have received a copy 💞
Lorelai wants to host the perfect Christmas for her family, she is a bit of a perfectionist so everything needs to be in perfect order. She can’t shift the feeling that she is being watched- but when odd things begin to happen she realises it is not in her imagination. But who is this person and what do they want?
As thrillers go - this thriller thrills!
My jaw dropped at the end of the first chapter and it continues throughout the whole book - it’s dark, eerie and intense and the twists keep twisting.
I loved this book- it’s a page turner. It’s gripping, chilling and once you start you won’t be able to put it down. Small chapters and dual timelines, it is out on 24th September and one not to be missed!!
(Currently available for preorder for €2 on Amazon 😉)
August 12, 2026
I adore Charlotte’s writing and this new novel only cements that opinion.
The blurb already gives enough detail of the story, so I won’t go into too much detail myself regarding the storyline as I may inadvertently give out spoilers.
As the title eludes to, this story is about hosting, and enjoying the perfect Christmas. Something that the socially awkward, introverted Lorelai is desperate for. She’s a perfectionist with severe OCD that is determined to host the perfect Christmas for her, Conrad, and Oscar. She even tolerates the wives of Conrad’s golfing buddies to ensure Christmas is perfect for ten-year-old Oscar.
Tension builds from chapter one and continues to build until the author throws a twist in that makes you say, ‘Wait, that can’t be right.’ Yet, when you flick back through what you’ve read doubting your own memory, you suddenly say, ‘Wow, you clever little author, you!’
The narrative flows beautifully, the tension never wanes, and, when you’re presented with the ending, you’re a happy, satisfied reader. Then BOOM Charlotte throws another curve ball that made this book even more perfect. This is a brilliantly written psychological thriller unlike anything I’ve ever read. Charlotte knows how the mind works and it allows her to create characters so intense that you, as the reader, feel every possible emotion whilst reading it. Highly recommended!
TL;DR
A brilliantly written psychological thriller with a mid-book twist that flips the story’s perspective superbly. A highly recommended read.
The blurb already gives enough detail of the story, so I won’t go into too much detail myself regarding the storyline as I may inadvertently give out spoilers.
As the title eludes to, this story is about hosting, and enjoying the perfect Christmas. Something that the socially awkward, introverted Lorelai is desperate for. She’s a perfectionist with severe OCD that is determined to host the perfect Christmas for her, Conrad, and Oscar. She even tolerates the wives of Conrad’s golfing buddies to ensure Christmas is perfect for ten-year-old Oscar.
Tension builds from chapter one and continues to build until the author throws a twist in that makes you say, ‘Wait, that can’t be right.’ Yet, when you flick back through what you’ve read doubting your own memory, you suddenly say, ‘Wow, you clever little author, you!’
The narrative flows beautifully, the tension never wanes, and, when you’re presented with the ending, you’re a happy, satisfied reader. Then BOOM Charlotte throws another curve ball that made this book even more perfect. This is a brilliantly written psychological thriller unlike anything I’ve ever read. Charlotte knows how the mind works and it allows her to create characters so intense that you, as the reader, feel every possible emotion whilst reading it. Highly recommended!
TL;DR
A brilliantly written psychological thriller with a mid-book twist that flips the story’s perspective superbly. A highly recommended read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The perfect Christmas review of Arc sent by author in return for my honest review
This psychological thriller is told through the eyes of our fmc Lorelai who is a perfectionist and desperately wants to host the perfect Christmas for Conrad and young Oscar. Obviously, this was never going to happen! It’s hard to say too much without revealing spoilers but boy were there some extremely dysfunctional relationships in this family! One character in particular was a nasty piece of work!
There is a dual timeline with a flashback in time, and I did at times find myself momentarily forgetting which timeline I was currently reading.
I thought the pacing was good and the super twist about a third of the way in did have me doubting what I had just read and wondering whether I had misunderstood, but no I was cleverly hoodwinked. 😉 The ending was nicely played too!
Overall I enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend if you enjoy twisty thrillers with a bit of Christmas spice!
This psychological thriller is told through the eyes of our fmc Lorelai who is a perfectionist and desperately wants to host the perfect Christmas for Conrad and young Oscar. Obviously, this was never going to happen! It’s hard to say too much without revealing spoilers but boy were there some extremely dysfunctional relationships in this family! One character in particular was a nasty piece of work!
There is a dual timeline with a flashback in time, and I did at times find myself momentarily forgetting which timeline I was currently reading.
I thought the pacing was good and the super twist about a third of the way in did have me doubting what I had just read and wondering whether I had misunderstood, but no I was cleverly hoodwinked. 😉 The ending was nicely played too!
Overall I enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend if you enjoy twisty thrillers with a bit of Christmas spice!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A solid 5 star read
This is the first book I read by Charlotte Stevenson and wow!!! What an amazing book!
As a massive lover of thrillers, this book had me hooked from the very beginning and I couldn’t stop reading.
The story has everything you would want in a thriller: suspense, tension, twists, lies, deception, and so much more.
The story is written in dual timeline, is intense, so well written, with short and captivating chapters and characters feels so real.
The twists made me question and guessing everything and at one point I was suspicious of pretty much everyone, but I did not expect such turn of events and definitely didn't see the ending.
I honestly loved this book and would highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good thriller.
Thank you so much Charlotte for sharing your amazing story with me - I will definitely read more of your amazing writing.
This is the first book I read by Charlotte Stevenson and wow!!! What an amazing book!
As a massive lover of thrillers, this book had me hooked from the very beginning and I couldn’t stop reading.
The story has everything you would want in a thriller: suspense, tension, twists, lies, deception, and so much more.
The story is written in dual timeline, is intense, so well written, with short and captivating chapters and characters feels so real.
The twists made me question and guessing everything and at one point I was suspicious of pretty much everyone, but I did not expect such turn of events and definitely didn't see the ending.
I honestly loved this book and would highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good thriller.
Thank you so much Charlotte for sharing your amazing story with me - I will definitely read more of your amazing writing.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Really enjoyed this book, with a great fairly early twist that I didn't see coming at all, and more twists as the story went on.
The only thing I didn't love was the ending..I felt it was a bit far fetched...but had the book finished a chapter earlier I'd have totally loved it.
Set around the lead up to Christmas, this was a dual timeline story following Lorelei, Conrad and Oscar as Lorelei prepares them for the perfect Christmas. But a strange sighting through the window, and a random encounter in the supermarket makes Lorelei worry that something is about to spoil their Christmas..and she will do anything to prevent that happening.
A really good pace, as I have mentioned, a great early twist, this was a real page turner of a book.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for sending me an advanced copy to read and review
The only thing I didn't love was the ending..I felt it was a bit far fetched...but had the book finished a chapter earlier I'd have totally loved it.
Set around the lead up to Christmas, this was a dual timeline story following Lorelei, Conrad and Oscar as Lorelei prepares them for the perfect Christmas. But a strange sighting through the window, and a random encounter in the supermarket makes Lorelei worry that something is about to spoil their Christmas..and she will do anything to prevent that happening.
A really good pace, as I have mentioned, a great early twist, this was a real page turner of a book.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for sending me an advanced copy to read and review
Review of advance copy received from Author
Well this book totally ‘got me twisted’ in more ways than one and careful what I say but completely outfoxed me…..
Good
I have to admit to re reading a section 4 times to make sure I had it right,then smiling and thinking ‘good job’ re the authors genius move
Enough of that though,the book itself is a clever and often harrowing look at a Mothers UN love and the lengths she will go to to avoid her duties and how this affects her family,and then once she has gone how life changes
It is set at Christmas but that is a backdrop to the story so is good to be read anytime,inc Christmas
This book will fool and shock and make you think and re think and shudder especially at…..well you will see
Really good writing,story and atmosphere
Loved it
Good
I have to admit to re reading a section 4 times to make sure I had it right,then smiling and thinking ‘good job’ re the authors genius move
Enough of that though,the book itself is a clever and often harrowing look at a Mothers UN love and the lengths she will go to to avoid her duties and how this affects her family,and then once she has gone how life changes
It is set at Christmas but that is a backdrop to the story so is good to be read anytime,inc Christmas
This book will fool and shock and make you think and re think and shudder especially at…..well you will see
Really good writing,story and atmosphere
Loved it
Review of advance copy received from Author
I'd never read anything by this author before so I had no idea what her style was like and was attracted by the blurb alone, and... Wow. This girl is sneaky!! Honestly, that first twist got me good and proper and made me question how easily I'd been misled/how I hadn't noticed! Brilliant! From then on I straightened up and started questioning everything.
This book builds tension and keeps you guessing throughout. There are flashbacks which gradually give you the bigger picture, and some really interesting characters (it's so hard not to give spoilers, so that's all I'm saying!)
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend to all psychological thriller readers no matter the season! Thank you so much Charlotte for the early copy 😊
This book builds tension and keeps you guessing throughout. There are flashbacks which gradually give you the bigger picture, and some really interesting characters (it's so hard not to give spoilers, so that's all I'm saying!)
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend to all psychological thriller readers no matter the season! Thank you so much Charlotte for the early copy 😊
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Another excellent read by Charlotte Stevenson.
Once again I devoured this book in two days because even before I reached the excellent Chapter 17 I was already hooked.
The twist with Chapter 17 made this book even more compelling and I couldn’t wait to read what came next.
I’m certainly not leaving any spoilers or even a synopsis of this book, all I’ll say is if you have enjoyed reading other books by Charlotte Stevenson you will love The Perfect Christmas and if this is the first book you’ve read by Charlotte Stevenson I hope you enjoy it and I hope you will read some of her other excellent books.
Thank you to Charlotte and thank you to Bloodhound Books for this early Christmas read.
Once again I devoured this book in two days because even before I reached the excellent Chapter 17 I was already hooked.
The twist with Chapter 17 made this book even more compelling and I couldn’t wait to read what came next.
I’m certainly not leaving any spoilers or even a synopsis of this book, all I’ll say is if you have enjoyed reading other books by Charlotte Stevenson you will love The Perfect Christmas and if this is the first book you’ve read by Charlotte Stevenson I hope you enjoy it and I hope you will read some of her other excellent books.
Thank you to Charlotte and thank you to Bloodhound Books for this early Christmas read.
August 23, 2026
Wow! What a book! This book right from the start was so creepy and giving me the shivers, I’ve never had a book make me feel this way, especially from the first chapter.
Charlottes writing is so brilliant and immediately draws you in as a reader. There were some twists I didn’t see coming and it was hard to know who to trust. It was a thrilling read.
It has a dual timeline with flashbacks to the past and some insufferable characters which are written absolutely superbly!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and read it in a day. I would definitely recommend it.
Thank you Charlotte for sending me a copy.
Charlottes writing is so brilliant and immediately draws you in as a reader. There were some twists I didn’t see coming and it was hard to know who to trust. It was a thrilling read.
It has a dual timeline with flashbacks to the past and some insufferable characters which are written absolutely superbly!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and read it in a day. I would definitely recommend it.
Thank you Charlotte for sending me a copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It’s the day before Christmas Eve and we are introduced to the ‘perfect’ Lorelei, well the high strung, perfectionist Lorelei. Christmas is important, almost too important to Lorelei and someone is not happy about it!
The first twist to hit is at the end of the first quarter, and BAM! It’s a big one. I’m usually court with twists but this one was unexpected. Conrad is no innocent in this story, but he is a good man.
Thea is a really horrible person, her character has no redeemable features at all. As a main protagonist she plays the part well.
This is great Christmas set thriller. Good twists, definitive and satisfying ending. I happily recommend.
The first twist to hit is at the end of the first quarter, and BAM! It’s a big one. I’m usually court with twists but this one was unexpected. Conrad is no innocent in this story, but he is a good man.
Thea is a really horrible person, her character has no redeemable features at all. As a main protagonist she plays the part well.
This is great Christmas set thriller. Good twists, definitive and satisfying ending. I happily recommend.
Review of advance copy
Oh my word ...... I am a huge fan of Charlotte's books and this did not disappoint. The twists and turns are incredible and I did not see them coming (well maybe the last one about half a page before!).
The story is set at Christmas with a family of 3 working to have a perfect holiday period but on Christmas Day evening something from the past throws everything into chaos.
This is so well written and the characters are totally believable which made me completely invested in it. My only disappointment was realising I had finished!!
You will not regret reading this!!!!
The story is set at Christmas with a family of 3 working to have a perfect holiday period but on Christmas Day evening something from the past throws everything into chaos.
This is so well written and the characters are totally believable which made me completely invested in it. My only disappointment was realising I had finished!!
You will not regret reading this!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
It’s Christmassy at the start, Christmassy at the end, but has so much more in between!
The first part of the book had me anxious and on edge...then came a massive, unexpected twist which threw the story completely on its head!
After that, the twists just kept coming.
I couldn’t wait to get back to this cleverly written book every time real life had the audacity to pull me away from it!
Five Stars from me and I’ll definitely be reading more of Charlotte’s books.
The first part of the book had me anxious and on edge...then came a massive, unexpected twist which threw the story completely on its head!
After that, the twists just kept coming.
I couldn’t wait to get back to this cleverly written book every time real life had the audacity to pull me away from it!
Five Stars from me and I’ll definitely be reading more of Charlotte’s books.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for an early copy of this in exchange for a review.
This is by a country mile, the BEST Christmas thriller I have ever read!
The twists were truly jaw dropping and the writing style makes it almost impossible to put down. This is the sort of book that grabs you from the first chapter and just doesn’t let go.
The baddie is absolutely vile and the Christmas vibes are spot on. I absolutely loved this and will be reading the author’s entire backlist.
This is by a country mile, the BEST Christmas thriller I have ever read!
The twists were truly jaw dropping and the writing style makes it almost impossible to put down. This is the sort of book that grabs you from the first chapter and just doesn’t let go.
The baddie is absolutely vile and the Christmas vibes are spot on. I absolutely loved this and will be reading the author’s entire backlist.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is unlike any thriller I’ve read before! It’s spine tinglingly chilling and full of unexpected twists and turns along the way! You think you’re in for a cosy Christmassy mystery at the start…but by the end of chapter one…you know you’re in for a rough ride! The pace of the book is perfect as it meanders through the suspenseful twist and turns and the climax at the end it worth waiting for! It blew my mind! Perfect for you thriller lovers!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was so good, I finished it in one day. Right from the beginning it had me hooked and I just knew I was going to love it, lots of little twists and turns going on throughout the book that I never saw coming and had me shocked
One character I absolutely hated, like she honestly made me angry 😂 😡 so that just shows how well written the book it as I was so invested in the storyline
One character I absolutely hated, like she honestly made me angry 😂 😡 so that just shows how well written the book it as I was so invested in the storyline
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a great story. Thank you to Charlotte Stevenson for giving me the opportunity to read the eARC of this book.It's a dark, thought provoking thriller with amazing twists and turns. The story flows at a lovely pace and it's full of tension. This is a book I kept returning to, to find out what happened next. And, just wow!What a great ending.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I appreciate a good Christmas thriller and this book is certainly clearly created. The twist mid way through is completely mind blowing and I had to stop and think about it for awhile because it was so unexpected. It's chilling festive atmosphere sets it alight. I was constantly on edge and the writing is beyond my wildest imagination.
August 17, 2026
Lorelai is determined to have the best Christmas with little Oscar and Conrad but she is sure that something or someone is going to ruin it. When she hears somebody moving about their empty home she realises it might be about to fall down around her. A great story with a few good twists to keep you hooked.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I've literally just finished it & my jaw is left dropped open & 'what the heck' comes to mind. This is an incredible read, an absolute page turner with plot twists you will not see coming for sure! Wow it's blown my mind to be honest! Incredible writing & I can't wait to read more by this author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Someone is watching. Someone is waiting. Someone wants to destroy you.
Lorelai wants to give her family the perfect Christmas. What's wrong with that? Well, apparently, lots.
Charlotte is an auto buy author for me. I don't care what she puts out, what genre it's in or how long it is. She's that good a writer that I'm there on day one (or before if I can snag an arc).
The Perfect Christmas is the perfect festive thriller. Short chapters, fast paced and not a single word is wasted progressing the story with each sentence. There are characters you'll root for and my god is there one character I just wanted to dive into the pages and throttle!!! This is again just another sign at how brilliant a writer Charlotte Stevenson is.
And yes, I did just full name her because it was warranted.
The twists and turns really made this book stand out. None of which you see coming... but there is one in particular 🤯🤯...
The Perfect Christmas is an EASY 5 STAR ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ read for me. Roll on November So i can get the next Stevenson book (or before 🙏🏻🙏🏻 pretty please)
Add this to your tbr now.
Lorelai wants to give her family the perfect Christmas. What's wrong with that? Well, apparently, lots.
Charlotte is an auto buy author for me. I don't care what she puts out, what genre it's in or how long it is. She's that good a writer that I'm there on day one (or before if I can snag an arc).
The Perfect Christmas is the perfect festive thriller. Short chapters, fast paced and not a single word is wasted progressing the story with each sentence. There are characters you'll root for and my god is there one character I just wanted to dive into the pages and throttle!!! This is again just another sign at how brilliant a writer Charlotte Stevenson is.
And yes, I did just full name her because it was warranted.
The twists and turns really made this book stand out. None of which you see coming... but there is one in particular 🤯🤯...
The Perfect Christmas is an EASY 5 STAR ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ read for me. Roll on November So i can get the next Stevenson book (or before 🙏🏻🙏🏻 pretty please)
Add this to your tbr now.
August 17, 2026
Thx to Charlotte for the eARC. I have to say this was a well written intense read. The twists and turns on how it was going to go had me wondering. The ending was well done!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Another great read from this author, I have enjoyed all her books I've read and look forward to what's next
Review of advance copy received from Author
It’s not quite the holiday season yet, but this was a perfect way to kick it off. I absolutely love good seasonal thrillers, and this was one for the books. From the twists that I refuse to believe anyone saw coming, to the writing style, the plot.. The story was simply amazing. I sat down to “start it” and end up finishing the full book in one day. This is my second read by Charlotte Stevenson, but definitely won’t be my last. I think I might even reread this one in December during my holiday thriller reads.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews