What do you think?
Rate this book
The Last Christmas Eve: A gripping and twist-filled festive psychological thriller
When the clock strikes midnight, someone will pay for the sins of the past...
It's Christmas Eve and Holly Martin is bringing her new boyfriend home to meet the family. But from the moment they arrive, it's clear the Martins are far from picture perfect. Secrets linger in every room of the house, and nobody wants to talk about what happened years before.
Then there's a knock at the door. And standing outside in the snow is a young woman covered in blood.
With the blizzard raging and no way to call for help, the family have no choice but to bring the stranger inside. But as the hours tick towards midnight, somebody is determined to make sure this is the family's final holiday together.
Because in this house, everyone is lying... but not everyone will live to see Christmas Day.
The Last Christmas Eve is a dark and addictive psychological thriller packed with family secrets, shocking twists and deadly consequences, perfect for fans of Alice Feeney and Claire Douglas.
It's Christmas Eve and Holly Martin is bringing her new boyfriend home to meet the family. But from the moment they arrive, it's clear the Martins are far from picture perfect. Secrets linger in every room of the house, and nobody wants to talk about what happened years before.
Then there's a knock at the door. And standing outside in the snow is a young woman covered in blood.
With the blizzard raging and no way to call for help, the family have no choice but to bring the stranger inside. But as the hours tick towards midnight, somebody is determined to make sure this is the family's final holiday together.
Because in this house, everyone is lying... but not everyone will live to see Christmas Day.
The Last Christmas Eve is a dark and addictive psychological thriller packed with family secrets, shocking twists and deadly consequences, perfect for fans of Alice Feeney and Claire Douglas.
251 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 13, 2026
About the author
Nancy Savage
6 books77 followersNancy Savage writes psychological thrillers published by Bloodhound Books and Inkubator Books. She lives in a house overlooking the hills with her partner, their six kids, and two cats.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
🍸 𝗦𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝘁𝘄𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀. 𝗦𝗼 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗳𝘂𝗻.
I was hooked from the prologue, and from there I was completely invested. Everyone was lying, I trusted absolutely nobody, and I genuinely had no idea where this was going.
And then the twists just kept coming. Nancy Savage completely blindsided me more than once, including one that had me sitting there thinking, what just happened?!
This is everything I want from a popcorn thriller: intriguing, unpredictable, addictive and ridiculously entertaining. I had an absolute blast with it.
Thank you to Nancy Savage for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. All opinions are my own.
🎉 𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘆, 𝗡𝗮𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗴𝗲! 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆'𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲! 𝗜 𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝗲.
I was hooked from the prologue, and from there I was completely invested. Everyone was lying, I trusted absolutely nobody, and I genuinely had no idea where this was going.
And then the twists just kept coming. Nancy Savage completely blindsided me more than once, including one that had me sitting there thinking, what just happened?!
This is everything I want from a popcorn thriller: intriguing, unpredictable, addictive and ridiculously entertaining. I had an absolute blast with it.
Thank you to Nancy Savage for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. All opinions are my own.
🎉 𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘆, 𝗡𝗮𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗴𝗲! 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆'𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲! 𝗜 𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝗲.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I gave 5 ⭐ for the last two books of the author. So, the expectation was really high!
Around till 50 percent, this book felt more like family drama, maybe because the author wanted the readers to understand how dysfunctional the family was! The family members were overbearing and I did not like most of the characters! That eerie atmosphere was missing which I like so much about Nancy Savage's books!
Once the book picked up pace it became a suspenseful, heartpounding thriller and I am glad that I did not stop reading! There were quite a few twists which I did not see coming. It has a twisty end too!
Thanks Nancy Savage for the advance reader copy 🙏
Around till 50 percent, this book felt more like family drama, maybe because the author wanted the readers to understand how dysfunctional the family was! The family members were overbearing and I did not like most of the characters! That eerie atmosphere was missing which I like so much about Nancy Savage's books!
Once the book picked up pace it became a suspenseful, heartpounding thriller and I am glad that I did not stop reading! There were quite a few twists which I did not see coming. It has a twisty end too!
Thanks Nancy Savage for the advance reader copy 🙏
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Last Christmas Eve by Nancy Savage is a thrilling and scary Christmas read that certainly isn’t the festive family gathering Holly was expecting.
When Holly invites her boyfriend Finn to spend Christmas with her family, she knows to expect some embarrassing moments because her family can be a little strange. However, she has no idea just how terrifying the night is going to become. Almost as soon as they arrive, things seem strange. Her mother is behaving oddly, her brother isn’t particularly welcoming, and before long, more and more weird occurrences begin to unfold. Will everyone survive the night, and who is responsible for what is happening?
The prologue immediately throws you into the horror of the night, leaving you wondering how everything could possibly have become this bad. From there, I was eager to find out exactly what was happening and, more importantly, why.
I particularly enjoyed discovering the secrets and lies surrounding the different characters and seeing how everything fitted together. As more was revealed, I wanted to understand what had really been going on and how all the different pieces connected.
There were a few times when I wasn’t completely convinced by the characters’ decisions. At times, a character would make one decision and then do something quite different shortly afterwards, which didn’t always seem to make sense to me. However, this didn’t stop me from being drawn into the story.
There was plenty of suspense throughout, along with strange and frightening moments that kept me hooked. The pace also made this an easy book to keep reading, and I found myself wanting to read just one more chapter.
Overall, The Last Christmas Eve is a great Christmas read for anyone who likes their festive stories with a darker and more sinister edge. With its secrets, lies, suspense and unsettling moments, it kept me engaged from beginning to end.
I received an ARC from Bloodhound Books for an honest review, thank you, and all thoughts are my own.
When Holly invites her boyfriend Finn to spend Christmas with her family, she knows to expect some embarrassing moments because her family can be a little strange. However, she has no idea just how terrifying the night is going to become. Almost as soon as they arrive, things seem strange. Her mother is behaving oddly, her brother isn’t particularly welcoming, and before long, more and more weird occurrences begin to unfold. Will everyone survive the night, and who is responsible for what is happening?
The prologue immediately throws you into the horror of the night, leaving you wondering how everything could possibly have become this bad. From there, I was eager to find out exactly what was happening and, more importantly, why.
I particularly enjoyed discovering the secrets and lies surrounding the different characters and seeing how everything fitted together. As more was revealed, I wanted to understand what had really been going on and how all the different pieces connected.
There were a few times when I wasn’t completely convinced by the characters’ decisions. At times, a character would make one decision and then do something quite different shortly afterwards, which didn’t always seem to make sense to me. However, this didn’t stop me from being drawn into the story.
There was plenty of suspense throughout, along with strange and frightening moments that kept me hooked. The pace also made this an easy book to keep reading, and I found myself wanting to read just one more chapter.
Overall, The Last Christmas Eve is a great Christmas read for anyone who likes their festive stories with a darker and more sinister edge. With its secrets, lies, suspense and unsettling moments, it kept me engaged from beginning to end.
I received an ARC from Bloodhound Books for an honest review, thank you, and all thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy
A gripping and surprising story, which had me hooked from the first page. I absolutely loved the protectiveness towards the mother, both from her daughters and also their father. Yes, they are a dysfunctional family, but also a loving one. Sylvie is trapped in a perpetual celebration of Christmas, insisting on repeating the family traditions, even though nobody else believes in them any more. This Christmas is different. A threat is lurking. Does it come from inside or outside their family group? Why are the family so wary of Finn and are they right to be? And why is the youngest son, Hunter, shut away in his room, blaring out loud music? Things are not as they seem and there are shocks in store right up until the very last moment. Well written and engaging.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This was amazing and kept me engaged and the ending wow brilliant . Until it became clear as part of the plot how it was going to play out i just didnt realise it, that is unusual with the number of books i read so really impressed with the ending
Review of advance copy received from Author
Christmas Eve should be a night of warmth, family, and familiar rituals — but when Holly Martin brings her new boyfriend home, she walks straight into a house thick with old secrets and unspoken history. The tension is already simmering when a blood‑covered stranger appears at the door, and with a blizzard cutting them off from the outside world, the Martins are forced to confront the past they’ve spent years avoiding. By midnight, someone intends to make sure this family never sees Christmas Day.
What makes this thriller so gripping is the atmosphere — that claustrophobic, snow‑bound pressure where every room feels like it’s holding its breath. The Martins aren’t just dysfunctional; they’re fractured in ways that feel quietly dangerous. You can sense the weight of what they refuse to talk about, the way their silence has shaped the house itself. It’s a family portrait painted in shadows.
Holly’s perspective adds a lovely emotional thread. She’s trying to introduce someone new into a family that barely holds together on its own, and the discomfort of that is palpable. Her boyfriend becomes a kind of mirror — reflecting just how strange, brittle, and guarded the Martins really are. It’s not dramatic at first; it’s subtle, the kind of unease that creeps in slowly.
The arrival of the stranger shifts everything. Suddenly the house feels smaller, the storm louder, the secrets sharper. The book handles this beautifully — danger doesn’t explode; it tightens. Every conversation feels loaded, every glance a clue, every silence a warning. And because no one can leave, the tension has nowhere to go but inward.
What I enjoyed is how the story plays with the idea of family loyalty. Everyone is lying, but not everyone is lying for the same reason. Some lies are protective, some are selfish, some are born from fear. And as the night unfolds, those layers peel back in ways that feel both shocking and inevitable.
The psychological suspense is dark but not gratuitous. It’s built from character — from guilt, resentment, old wounds, and the kind of secrets that warp a family from the inside out. The twists land because they’re rooted in emotion, not spectacle.
By the end, the book leaves you with that lingering chill — the sense that the past never stays buried, that families can be both refuge and danger, and that Christmas Eve can be the perfect stage for truths that refuse to stay hidden.
A tense, atmospheric thriller full of family secrets, creeping dread, and the kind of twists that make you rethink every earlier chapter. Perfect for readers who like their holiday stories dark, intimate, and impossible to put down.
My thanks to Nancy Savage for the ARC
What makes this thriller so gripping is the atmosphere — that claustrophobic, snow‑bound pressure where every room feels like it’s holding its breath. The Martins aren’t just dysfunctional; they’re fractured in ways that feel quietly dangerous. You can sense the weight of what they refuse to talk about, the way their silence has shaped the house itself. It’s a family portrait painted in shadows.
Holly’s perspective adds a lovely emotional thread. She’s trying to introduce someone new into a family that barely holds together on its own, and the discomfort of that is palpable. Her boyfriend becomes a kind of mirror — reflecting just how strange, brittle, and guarded the Martins really are. It’s not dramatic at first; it’s subtle, the kind of unease that creeps in slowly.
The arrival of the stranger shifts everything. Suddenly the house feels smaller, the storm louder, the secrets sharper. The book handles this beautifully — danger doesn’t explode; it tightens. Every conversation feels loaded, every glance a clue, every silence a warning. And because no one can leave, the tension has nowhere to go but inward.
What I enjoyed is how the story plays with the idea of family loyalty. Everyone is lying, but not everyone is lying for the same reason. Some lies are protective, some are selfish, some are born from fear. And as the night unfolds, those layers peel back in ways that feel both shocking and inevitable.
The psychological suspense is dark but not gratuitous. It’s built from character — from guilt, resentment, old wounds, and the kind of secrets that warp a family from the inside out. The twists land because they’re rooted in emotion, not spectacle.
By the end, the book leaves you with that lingering chill — the sense that the past never stays buried, that families can be both refuge and danger, and that Christmas Eve can be the perfect stage for truths that refuse to stay hidden.
A tense, atmospheric thriller full of family secrets, creeping dread, and the kind of twists that make you rethink every earlier chapter. Perfect for readers who like their holiday stories dark, intimate, and impossible to put down.
My thanks to Nancy Savage for the ARC
October 13, 2026
Book Review
ARC
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Last Christmas Eve by Nancy Savage
Published: October 13, 2026
First, thank you, Nancy, for allowing me to read this deliciously twisted little Christmas nightmare. Nothing says festive cheer quite like family dysfunction, buried secrets, and the possibility of someone not making it to Christmas dinner.
Oh, I loved this one!
Nancy has this way of turning me into an invisible fly on the wall. Watching. Listening. Shamelessly soaking up every uncomfortable little detail. And believe me, this family has enough emotional baggage to bankrupt an entire airport.
We’ve got siblings who grew apart, if they were ever close to begin with. Secrets rotten enough to poison an entire village. Parents desperately clinging to the illusion of one big happy family, because apparently denial is a cherished Christmas tradition. Throw in an invited boyfriend, a house with no neighbours, and enough tension to strangle Santa himself.
What could possibly go wrong?
Everything, darling. Absolutely everything.
And the beauty of it? No unnecessary mental gymnastics. No ridiculous attempts to twist your brain into a Christmas pretzel. Just deliciously uncomfortable family dynamics, psychological manipulation, and that creeping realization that some traditions really should be buried. Preferably before someone else is.
I could say more, but not even the prettiest snowy scenery will turn me into a spoiler goblin.
So grab your fluffiest onesie, make yourself some hot cocoa with tiny marshmallows, cinnamon, and an irresponsible amount of whipped cream. Get comfortable and dive right in.
Just remember, snow looks beautiful until someone decides red is a more festive colour.
Five bloody Christmas stars from me!
Because this delivered exactly what I wanted. A familiar, deliciously unhinged psychological Christmas thriller where the family pretends everything is fine while the secrets practically claw their way out of the walls.
And after this? You might reconsider spending Christmas with your relatives.
Especially the ones who insist they’re one big happy family.
Those are usually the ones you should worry about.
ARC
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Last Christmas Eve by Nancy Savage
Published: October 13, 2026
First, thank you, Nancy, for allowing me to read this deliciously twisted little Christmas nightmare. Nothing says festive cheer quite like family dysfunction, buried secrets, and the possibility of someone not making it to Christmas dinner.
Oh, I loved this one!
Nancy has this way of turning me into an invisible fly on the wall. Watching. Listening. Shamelessly soaking up every uncomfortable little detail. And believe me, this family has enough emotional baggage to bankrupt an entire airport.
We’ve got siblings who grew apart, if they were ever close to begin with. Secrets rotten enough to poison an entire village. Parents desperately clinging to the illusion of one big happy family, because apparently denial is a cherished Christmas tradition. Throw in an invited boyfriend, a house with no neighbours, and enough tension to strangle Santa himself.
What could possibly go wrong?
Everything, darling. Absolutely everything.
And the beauty of it? No unnecessary mental gymnastics. No ridiculous attempts to twist your brain into a Christmas pretzel. Just deliciously uncomfortable family dynamics, psychological manipulation, and that creeping realization that some traditions really should be buried. Preferably before someone else is.
I could say more, but not even the prettiest snowy scenery will turn me into a spoiler goblin.
So grab your fluffiest onesie, make yourself some hot cocoa with tiny marshmallows, cinnamon, and an irresponsible amount of whipped cream. Get comfortable and dive right in.
Just remember, snow looks beautiful until someone decides red is a more festive colour.
Five bloody Christmas stars from me!
Because this delivered exactly what I wanted. A familiar, deliciously unhinged psychological Christmas thriller where the family pretends everything is fine while the secrets practically claw their way out of the walls.
And after this? You might reconsider spending Christmas with your relatives.
Especially the ones who insist they’re one big happy family.
Those are usually the ones you should worry about.
September 5, 2026
I have read most of Nancy Savage's books, and enjoyed each and every one of them.
She is an amazing psychological thriller author. Twists and unpredictable events and endings.
Holly is going home to her dysfunctional family for Christmas. She is taking her new boyfriend, Finn, against her better judgement. After all, the previous Christmas, the boyfriend she introduced to her family never bothered to contact her again.
You really should read this book to get the full story, because I can't provide a summary in a few paragraphs. There is just too much happening in this book.
So many twists. Reveals that will knock your socks off. Seriously, I don't think even Freida McFadden can think up half of these twists!! And that is saying something - she is another of my favourite authors.
But I digress.
The suspense in this book builds up chapter by chapter. Twist follows twist, and there is heart pounding suspense.
I had several suspects in the murders, and was totally wrong.
The plot....... have you heard about the 6 degrees of separation? That is the idea that any two people on Earth are connected by six or fewer social links.
You will understand that after reading this book.
The Epilogue!! Absolutely horrifying. So chilling!!
No wonder I read this in one sitting, and refused to go to sleep till I had read to the last page!!
I don't want to give plot twists away, but this really is a major twist.
What more could you want? Emotions, murder, revenge, insanity, toxic characters. It is all in this book.
I am giving this book a 5 star rating. It IS that good!!
Do yourselves a favour, read the thrillers by Nancy Savage, you won't regret it.
It will take a lot for someone to top this seasonal Christmas thriller though. Absolute Genius.
Thanks to Nancy Savage for sending me this book to review. I appreciate it immensely.
She is an amazing psychological thriller author. Twists and unpredictable events and endings.
Holly is going home to her dysfunctional family for Christmas. She is taking her new boyfriend, Finn, against her better judgement. After all, the previous Christmas, the boyfriend she introduced to her family never bothered to contact her again.
You really should read this book to get the full story, because I can't provide a summary in a few paragraphs. There is just too much happening in this book.
So many twists. Reveals that will knock your socks off. Seriously, I don't think even Freida McFadden can think up half of these twists!! And that is saying something - she is another of my favourite authors.
But I digress.
The suspense in this book builds up chapter by chapter. Twist follows twist, and there is heart pounding suspense.
I had several suspects in the murders, and was totally wrong.
The plot....... have you heard about the 6 degrees of separation? That is the idea that any two people on Earth are connected by six or fewer social links.
You will understand that after reading this book.
The Epilogue!! Absolutely horrifying. So chilling!!
No wonder I read this in one sitting, and refused to go to sleep till I had read to the last page!!
I don't want to give plot twists away, but this really is a major twist.
What more could you want? Emotions, murder, revenge, insanity, toxic characters. It is all in this book.
I am giving this book a 5 star rating. It IS that good!!
Do yourselves a favour, read the thrillers by Nancy Savage, you won't regret it.
It will take a lot for someone to top this seasonal Christmas thriller though. Absolute Genius.
Thanks to Nancy Savage for sending me this book to review. I appreciate it immensely.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Last Christmas Eve: by Nancy Savage was an excellent psychological thriller addictive and a great read for the coming dark nights and leading up to Christmas. I enjoyed reading this book especially as it was full of brilliant twists and turns throughout which made it so addictive I ended up reading it till the early hours of the morning and now I want to put my Christmas tree up!!!
When the clock strikes midnight, someone very close will pay for the sins of the past.... . . . . .
It's Christmas Eve, and the best time of the year, Holly Martin is so excited especially as she is bringing her new boyfriend home to meet her family. But from the moment they both arrive, it's clear the Martins are far from picture perfect.
The family house should be happy and warm inside but it is chilly, and it hide so many secrets which are hidden deep in every room of the house and no one will dare to talk about them . . . . . .These secrets are hidden from many years ago and hopefully forever . . . . . but slowly these secrets are slowly coming to the surface, one by one.
There is a blizzard starts to rage outside. . . .
Knock Knock . . . . . there is a knock on the door!!!! and standing at the door is a young woman and she is covered in Blood! Who Blood is it?
There is No way to call for help, and the family have no choice but to bring the stranger inside.
But as the hours tick slowly towards midnight, somebody within the house is determined to make sure this is the family's final holiday together.
Someone in the house is lying! But why? and But who is it?
Not everyone will live to see Christmas Day and be around to open their presents!
WoW . . . What an excellent book and the cover is beautiful.
I highly recommend this book 5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ read
When the clock strikes midnight, someone very close will pay for the sins of the past.... . . . . .
It's Christmas Eve, and the best time of the year, Holly Martin is so excited especially as she is bringing her new boyfriend home to meet her family. But from the moment they both arrive, it's clear the Martins are far from picture perfect.
The family house should be happy and warm inside but it is chilly, and it hide so many secrets which are hidden deep in every room of the house and no one will dare to talk about them . . . . . .These secrets are hidden from many years ago and hopefully forever . . . . . but slowly these secrets are slowly coming to the surface, one by one.
There is a blizzard starts to rage outside. . . .
Knock Knock . . . . . there is a knock on the door!!!! and standing at the door is a young woman and she is covered in Blood! Who Blood is it?
There is No way to call for help, and the family have no choice but to bring the stranger inside.
But as the hours tick slowly towards midnight, somebody within the house is determined to make sure this is the family's final holiday together.
Someone in the house is lying! But why? and But who is it?
Not everyone will live to see Christmas Day and be around to open their presents!
WoW . . . What an excellent book and the cover is beautiful.
I highly recommend this book 5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ read
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Nancy savage and Bloodhound books for the ARC of The Last Christmas Eve.
I’ve now read two of Nancy Savage’s books. And both have hit me with a twist, just when I thought I was clever and worked things out!
This one hit me with more than a few unexpected surprises to say the least!
The Last Christmas Eve is set around a family Christmas, with the usual quirks and annoyances those of us who are lucky enough to have large families experience at this time of year. Except for Holly there is so much more unspoken tension there.
I love the way this book has been written as it gently guides you around the different personalities of each of Holly’s family members whilst she is trying to introduce her new man, Finn into the fold.
The build up to the ‘action’ made me feel quite festive and look forward to my own large family coming together, with me playing host- I even pinched a few little traditions from Holly’s mum to add to our celebrations- chocolate truffle and phone free time anyone?
Then, once you are comfortably bedded in for a Christmas family tale, BOOM there she goes with a huge shocker of a twist and again, and again they keep coming!
I was worn out reading the last 30% of this book but COULD NOT put it down. Truly the sign of a great thriller!
Keep them coming Nancy you’re doing a fantastic job!!!
I’ve now read two of Nancy Savage’s books. And both have hit me with a twist, just when I thought I was clever and worked things out!
This one hit me with more than a few unexpected surprises to say the least!
The Last Christmas Eve is set around a family Christmas, with the usual quirks and annoyances those of us who are lucky enough to have large families experience at this time of year. Except for Holly there is so much more unspoken tension there.
I love the way this book has been written as it gently guides you around the different personalities of each of Holly’s family members whilst she is trying to introduce her new man, Finn into the fold.
The build up to the ‘action’ made me feel quite festive and look forward to my own large family coming together, with me playing host- I even pinched a few little traditions from Holly’s mum to add to our celebrations- chocolate truffle and phone free time anyone?
Then, once you are comfortably bedded in for a Christmas family tale, BOOM there she goes with a huge shocker of a twist and again, and again they keep coming!
I was worn out reading the last 30% of this book but COULD NOT put it down. Truly the sign of a great thriller!
Keep them coming Nancy you’re doing a fantastic job!!!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This one had me hooked from the very beginning! I immediately found myself wondering, What is going on here?! And the more I read, the more I wanted to know.
I really enjoyed the way the author described the family and their dynamics. Everything was written in a way that made it so easy to picture the characters and their interactions in my head.
I’d definitely consider this a popcorn thriller, but one that also has a surprisingly emotional side. There were moments that were genuinely sad, and I appreciated that the story had a little more heart than I initially expected.
And the twist?! SO good! I love when a book keeps me questioning what’s happening and then delivers a reveal that makes the journey worth it.
Overall, this was a fast, engaging read with a good mix of suspense, family drama, and emotion. I’d absolutely recommend picking this one up, especially if you enjoy thrillers centered around complicated family dynamics!
Thank you to the author, Bloodhound Books, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review! 🖤
I really enjoyed the way the author described the family and their dynamics. Everything was written in a way that made it so easy to picture the characters and their interactions in my head.
I’d definitely consider this a popcorn thriller, but one that also has a surprisingly emotional side. There were moments that were genuinely sad, and I appreciated that the story had a little more heart than I initially expected.
And the twist?! SO good! I love when a book keeps me questioning what’s happening and then delivers a reveal that makes the journey worth it.
Overall, this was a fast, engaging read with a good mix of suspense, family drama, and emotion. I’d absolutely recommend picking this one up, especially if you enjoy thrillers centered around complicated family dynamics!
Thank you to the author, Bloodhound Books, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review! 🖤
November 1, 2026
This starts out with Holly and her boyfriend, Finn going to spend Christmas with Holly’s family. You find out pretty quickly how dysfunction this family is. There is the mom and dad. The mom has some pretty serious delusions going on. There’s the brother Hank and his wife Chelsa. Hank is just a bully. There is Hazel and her teenage daughter, Brianna. And there is the youngest brother, Hunter. This totally kept my interest and kept me guessing. There are alot of twists that I did not see coming. I did start to suspect what was going on but not until almost towards the end of the book.
October 10, 2026
The Last Christmas Eve is a book that will pull you from the very beginning.
From the very start it has all the makings of a classic family psychological thriller - there’s the new relationship heading home for the first time, the slight obsessive mother, the dad who appears to just roll with it now and a brother who is bitter. What more could you need for a perfect family Christmas. Perfect for fans of Lisa Jewel and Mikayla Davids this is definitely a book that should be going on the Christmas list.
From the very start it has all the makings of a classic family psychological thriller - there’s the new relationship heading home for the first time, the slight obsessive mother, the dad who appears to just roll with it now and a brother who is bitter. What more could you need for a perfect family Christmas. Perfect for fans of Lisa Jewel and Mikayla Davids this is definitely a book that should be going on the Christmas list.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is not my first book by this author, and honestly, I just picked this up just because the previous books I had read assured me that whatever Nancy Savage writes next, I'm reading it. So, of course I had to read this one.
And I was not disappointed.
If you love Christmas reads that are NOT all cute and cozy (or if you are like me and dislike Christmas in general, lol), then this one is for you.
Secrets. Lies. Horrible family members. Horrible people. It's a wild roller coaster of everything horrible. Except the story. The story is awesome. Bloody awesome. And bloody too.
And I was not disappointed.
If you love Christmas reads that are NOT all cute and cozy (or if you are like me and dislike Christmas in general, lol), then this one is for you.
Secrets. Lies. Horrible family members. Horrible people. It's a wild roller coaster of everything horrible. Except the story. The story is awesome. Bloody awesome. And bloody too.
October 29, 2026
This is my first time reading a book by this author, and what a great introduction! This is the perfect Christmas read for anyone who has ever been nervous about bringing a date home to meet the parents and family. Initially, you find yourself wondering whether the family will accept the newcomer, but the story turns out to be far more devious than you might expect. The twists and turns were thrilling, and the fast-paced storyline kept me turning the pages. This was one of those books that was difficult to put down!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is a solid psychological thriller that just happens to be set in Christmas Eve. It’s by no means a heartwarming Christmas story.
A family meet for what is meant to be a family Christmas and the introduction of Holly’s new boyfriend. But happy families there are not.
Things are tense even before the knock on the door.
This book gives ‘An Inspector Calls’ vibes. I liked it.
No family is perfect, everyone has something to hide.
A family meet for what is meant to be a family Christmas and the introduction of Holly’s new boyfriend. But happy families there are not.
Things are tense even before the knock on the door.
This book gives ‘An Inspector Calls’ vibes. I liked it.
No family is perfect, everyone has something to hide.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What should be a night of fun filled warmth and cheer is turned into a event that you will only see in your nightmares. The twists in this constantly blindsided me and I said "what the?" More than I can count. I had no idea where the author was leading but I felt destined to find out. It's the perfect festive setting for murder mystery and suspense intrigue.
Review of advance copy
I really enjoyed this book and will be looking out for more by this author. It took a while for this book to really get started and once it did it turned in to a good suspenseful thriller .
When Holly brings home her new boyfriend it turns into a Christmas Eve that is full of suspense and family lies and secrets.
Good characters and story line , well worth a read.
When Holly brings home her new boyfriend it turns into a Christmas Eve that is full of suspense and family lies and secrets.
Good characters and story line , well worth a read.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Definitely not a cosy Christmas read! What a book.
The first part mainly sets the scene for the Martin family. Not your normal family Christmas. The second half of the book, well, the twists come thick and fast. Family secrets and lies come out in almost every chapter.
A great read. Well written and well plotted right to the end.
The first part mainly sets the scene for the Martin family. Not your normal family Christmas. The second half of the book, well, the twists come thick and fast. Family secrets and lies come out in almost every chapter.
A great read. Well written and well plotted right to the end.
October 11, 2026
The book starts with a bang, as Holly looks at the dead body of the boyfriend she brought to spend Christmas with her family.
We are then taken back twelve hours to Holly & Finn's arrival, and watch events unfold.
This is a gripping thriller, with many twists deftly handled.
Altogether a must for anyone who likes their Christmas reading a little darker.
We are then taken back twelve hours to Holly & Finn's arrival, and watch events unfold.
This is a gripping thriller, with many twists deftly handled.
Altogether a must for anyone who likes their Christmas reading a little darker.
October 15, 2026
Nancy Savage has written the best book of the year with The Last Christmas Eve. What seems like a festive story of family dysfunction transforms into the biggest plot twist of the year. When I was done picking up my jaw from the floor, it made me question everything I thought I knew about the story. Bravo Ms. Savage and all hail the new queen of the plot twist!!
October 16, 2026
Thank you Nancy Savage for the digital copy of this fantastic book!
Christmas tradition takes on a whole new meaning in this festive, twisty thriller. Holly’s family is different enough that she is nervous bringing her new beau home for the holidays and she was right to feel that way. But maybe not for the reasons she thinks.
This is my very first Christmas thriller and my second book by the amazing Nancy Savage. I will be reading more of both!
Christmas tradition takes on a whole new meaning in this festive, twisty thriller. Holly’s family is different enough that she is nervous bringing her new beau home for the holidays and she was right to feel that way. But maybe not for the reasons she thinks.
This is my very first Christmas thriller and my second book by the amazing Nancy Savage. I will be reading more of both!
September 12, 2026
As a family gathers for Christmas Eve, a series of events lead to disaster! Holly brings her new boyfriend to her family’s celebration. Along with her family, it begins as a wonderful, traditional Christmas Eve. However, things turn when a woman shows up at the door covered in blood.
This novel is a gripping and exciting story! Ms. Savage has created wonderful characters. Each one brings their own personality and history into the book. It is very fast-paced and easy to read. I definitely recommend it!
This novel is a gripping and exciting story! Ms. Savage has created wonderful characters. Each one brings their own personality and history into the book. It is very fast-paced and easy to read. I definitely recommend it!
Read
September 29, 2026What a compelling read! This book gripped me within the first couple of pages. What a Christmas, what a story, what a roller coaster ride. Thank you for the opportunity to read and to give my honest review.
Review of advance copy
A typical family sag;a that sped up and quickly became an edge of the seat intriguing read as it progressed. There were some surprising twists which weren’t expected. A tense and atmospheric read becoming difficult to put down. A great read highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Last Christmas Eve was an ok read and I definitely didn't see some of the twists coming or the ending but there was just something about it that meant I can't give more than 3.5*, can't put my finger on it but it lacked bulk somehow. Maybe it just wasn't for me.
October 23, 2026
Twisty
A little confusing at times, but an entertaining read. Most things don't begin to come together until late in the book, and I found some of it a little hard to believe. Still, fami!y disagreements over the holidays seem believable.
A little confusing at times, but an entertaining read. Most things don't begin to come together until late in the book, and I found some of it a little hard to believe. Still, fami!y disagreements over the holidays seem believable.
Review of advance copy
4.5 ⭐️
August 31, 2026
What should have been a Christmas family gathering for the Martins turns into a holiday from hell. With some staggering twists and turns it is proper page turner.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This was a good read and didn't expect that ending
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews