The Perfect Christmas: A chilling and twisted festive domestic thriller

by Charlotte Stevenson

266 pages, Paperback

Published September 3, 2026

Reviews

[Mark]

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

[Pav S. (pav_sanborn_bookworm)]

When that initial plot twist hit, I found myself staring in disbelief, like a bewildered goldfish. I had to rewind and figure out what I had overlooked! Whoa!

The story unfolds from Lorelai's perspective, and I must say, the initial setup left me absolutely speechless! It begins like a picture-perfect family Christmas dinner, only for strange occurrences to shake things up, leaving us in the dark until we gradually discover the truth about what's happening. There's a dual timeline that allows us to delve into the lives of Lorelai, her mother, her father, and her brother. As we piece together the family's hidden secrets, the experience is both bittersweet and captivating. Every character harbors a secret, and the journey of uncovering them all is engrossing. I don't want to reveal too much, as it would ruin the excitement of this incredible read for you!

Lorelai is such a sweet character that you can't help but cheer her on. You genuinely hope she finds the perfect family she’s always yearned for. While she does find some happiness, the thorn in her side only worsens to an unignorable degree. You know those people who seem overly nice until they reach their breaking point and turn cold? They can become ruthless individuals. Every character in this story is likable except her truly awful mother.

The author excels with vivid descriptions. I felt like I was right there with Conrad and Lorelai, learning to cook while enduring her mother’s ongoing emotional jabs. I did manage to guess one of the twists, but that’s part of what makes a good setup. The finale and the final twist left my jaw on the floor!!! Be careful not to make a hole in your floor! This was a clever, suspenseful read, with great character development, turning a classic Christmas tale into a gripping nightmare.

This book is perfect for the upcoming season! It’s not your typical idyllic Christmas story; instead, it’s dark, sinister, and so engaging that you’ll find it hard to put down. The short chapters will keep you turning pages late into the night. If you enjoy early twists that keep you second-guessing, unpredictable endings, and a final shocker as you reach the conclusion, then this story is for you. It has something for everyone: emotional depth, sorrow and grief, moments of happiness, and even revenge, all rolled into one. I think many of you will relate to it, especially if you've dealt with challenging mother-in-law dynamics! I should mention that this is my fourth book by this author, and I'm a huge fan, but this one, along with the previous title, stands out as my favorite so far! This story is one of those where everyone is hiding secrets that pile up like celebrity therapy bills, misunderstandings spread like wildfire on dating apps, and the drama runs far deeper than you might expect! Ha!

Thank you, Bloodhound Books, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Helen Ashley]

Well, this is a first for me – reading a Christmas book in September! 🎄😂 But when Charlotte messaged and asked if I’d like an eBook ARC of her latest release, I was more than willing to oblige. I love Christmas, I love a Christmas-themed book, and throw in a little festive mystery and I’m definitely intrigued! 👀

And WHAT an opening.

I genuinely think this might be the first time a book has actually made me feel scared. You know that moment in a horror film when you just know something bad is about to happen and you’re holding your breath waiting for it? That was me.

We meet Lorelai, a perfectionist who thrives on routine, order and control. Everything has to be just right, and absolutely nothing is going to get in the way of creating the perfect Christmas for her family. Even when increasingly unsettling things begin happening around her, she is so determined to keep everything together that I wanted to shake her and say, “TELL SOMEONE!” 😂 She was giving me anxiety!

And then, at around 28%, Charlotte completely got me. 🤯

I actually flicked back to the beginning wondering what on earth I’d missed. So yes, Charlotte, you absolutely caught me with that twist! 😂🤪

What I particularly enjoyed about The Perfect Christmas was that it wasn’t quite the book I thought it was going to be. It begins with the feel of a tense psychological thriller almost skirting the edge of horror, before developing into something much more centred around family and just how messy, complicated and complex those relationships can become. There’s manipulation, lies, secrets and plenty to keep you questioning what you really know.

For me, the middle section did take on a slower pace as the family drama came more to the forefront, and I lost a little of that intensity and momentum I’d loved so much at the beginning. However, it certainly didn’t stop me enjoying the story or wondering where it was all going. I had several different theories running through my head – some surprisingly close to the truth and others about a million miles away!

I also really enjoyed Lorelai’s character development throughout the book and the chapters that move between past and present, gradually allowing more pieces of the story to fall into place.

This is my first book by Charlotte Stevenson, and I was made up when she reached out and asked if I’d like to read her upcoming release. Through chatting on Instagram, I also discovered that Charlotte grew up in Cumbria, the same county as me, and I always love discovering authors with a connection to my local area. ❤️

And despite the title, you definitely don’t need to be a lover of Christmas to enjoy this one. If you like complex family dynamics, secrets, lies, mystery and a story that keeps you coming up with theories, The Perfect Christmas could be one to add to your list.

Thank you so much to Charlotte Stevenson and Bloodhound Books for my eBook ARC in exchange for an honest review. ❤️🎄

[Emma Ashley]

🎄Nothing matters more to Lorelai than creating the perfect Christmas. The house must look beautiful, the food must be spectacular and everything must be magical for her family.
But this year, things won't go to plan.
At first, Lorelai convinces herself she's imagining things. She's exhausted and determined not to let anything ruin the festive season. But when a chilling threat is delivered, it becomes clear that a figure at the window was never a figment of her imagination.
Someone is watching her.
As disturbing events begin to escalate, and her carefully controlled life starts to unravel, Lorelai realises the danger isn't just outside her home... it's buried deep within her past.
🧑‍🎄 Review -
The Perfect Christmas was the first book that I have read by the author and I will definitely be reading more by them. From the very first page I was drawn into the story and I loved the author's writing style. There was plenty of content to keep me entertained and lots of twists and turns to keep me interested and guessing until the end. I loved the characters in the story, I felt that Lorelia was putting too much pressure on herself but during the story I found out why. This was such a brilliant page turner, I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
⛄ Thank you to the author Charlotte Stevenson for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Pamela Viti]

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 😉)

[Ryan Thompson]

The story is told by Lorelai. She seems like a great mother who wants the absolutely best for her family, especially at Christmas. It is apparent something happened when she was younger, something bad around Christmas which ruined it and she’s determined that nothing will ruin her son’s Christmas like it did hers.

Nothing is as it seems.

The suspense is immediate and you are drawn straight in.

The early twist floored me. I couldn’t believe it, and had to flip back to the beginning to see if I’d missed something.

An incredibly suspenseful, pacy Christmas thriller, which is full of surprises.

That ending? Shock 😮 I was not expecting that!

A rollercoaster ride from beginning to end.

*runs to buy Charlotte’s other books*

[Susan Blissett]

I really enjoyed this emotional and twisty story. At its heart, The Perfect Christmas explores family relationships, the impact of difficult events, and how people can come together to support one another during the most challenging circumstances.

I particularly felt for Lorelai and Oscar throughout the story, and I loved the relationship between them. The way Lorelai cares for and looks out for Oscar is kind, thoughtful and genuine, and their bond was one of my favourite aspects of the book. Without giving too much away, some of the family circumstances surrounding them were genuinely upsetting, which made their relationship all the more moving.

The story felt a little slow to begin with, but once the first major twist was revealed, the pace really picked up. I certainly didn’t see it coming, and from that point onwards I found the story increasingly exciting and emotionally engaging. I don’t want to say too much about the plot, as I think it is best to discover the twists for yourself, but there were plenty of moments that kept me wanting to know what would happen next.

I also really appreciated the author’s thoughtful writing and the way she encourages the reader to consider what the characters are experiencing. One passage that particularly stood out to me was: “Some things in life feel too abnormal to be real, and this is certainly one of those times. Like an out-of-body experience, where you just do things rather than being able to feel and experience them properly.” I thought this was a powerful observation and captured how people can sometimes feel detached from reality when going through something traumatic or overwhelming. Moments like this added emotional depth to the story and made me think more deeply about what the characters were experiencing.

Relationships are a major part of this story, and I enjoyed seeing how the characters and their connections with one another developed. Despite some truly difficult and upsetting events, there is also a strong sense of family, support and people coming together to help each other through challenging times.

The ending contained another major twist that I wasn’t expecting, leading to a dramatic and climactic conclusion.

Overall, this was an emotional, moving and increasingly gripping story with some unexpected twists. Although it took me a little while to get into, once the story picked up the pace, I was thoroughly invested in the characters and eager to see how everything would unfold.

I received an ARC from Bloodhound Books for an honest review, thank you, and all thoughts are my own.

[Helen]

The Perfect Christmas is an intriguing and atmospheric festive read—one that feels delightfully out of season when enjoyed in the sunshine of August. Charlotte Stevenson crafts a story that begins with all the cosy hallmarks of a traditional Christmas tale, only to gradually reveal something far more unexpected.

The novel centres on Lorelai, a meticulous perfectionist who has every moment of the holiday period planned down to the finest detail. Her mission is simple: deliver the perfect Christmas for her family. Yet from the opening chapter, Stevenson hints that something is amiss. As Lorelai prepares gingerbread for a family decorating evening, she hears movement in her home and glimpses a mysterious woman’s figure at the window. It’s an unsettling moment that sets the tone for the slow‑burn tension that follows.

The early chapters move at a measured pace, and for a time it’s unclear where the story is heading. But patience pays off. When Christmas night arrives, Stevenson delivers a twist that is both surprising and impactful—one that reframes everything we’ve learned about Lorelai and her relentless pursuit of perfection. From that point, the narrative accelerates, peeling back layers of Lorelai’s past and revealing the deeper reasons behind her behaviour.

Without giving too much away, this is a story that rewards perseverance. The initial chapters build atmosphere and character, and the later revelations bring emotional depth and momentum. By the end, The Perfect Christmas proves itself to be a compelling, thoughtful read that blends festive charm with psychological intrigue.

[Llrâc Nôdbé]

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.

[Claire]

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!

[Mirela W]

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.

[Caroline]

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

[Helen Lowry]

Well, what a book. Even without reading this at Christmas!
A well written and intricate phycological thriller. Our main character, Lorelai, is a perfectionist, especially for Christmas. Everything has to be exactly spot on.
But we know that that is never going to happen.
Tension builds very early on in this book, a good thing, and in particular with the relationships of the characters. Some characters are nicer than others, without giving too much away.
The book relies on flashbacks to fill you in on the full story and how this affects actions in the present time. I didn’t have a problem with this; I found it easy to keep track of where I was.
Written with a good pace, I enjoyed the book, especially with Christmas thrown in for good measure.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this book.

[Eleanor Jordan O'Farrell]

The Perfect Christmas by Charlotte Stevenson is a properly heartwarming delve into the tangled, messy web of human relationships and how they manage to evolve when forced into close quarters.

​It starts at a bit of a gentle stroll, taking its sweet time to lay the groundwork. But once it finds its footing, the story picks up the pace remarkably well. The plot unfolds into a thoroughly gripping web of unexpected twists and turns that keep you turning the pages far later into the night than you intended. Stevenson handles complex, splintered family dynamics with real nuance, expertly weaving in a subtle strain of mystery that elevates it well beyond your standard festive fare.

​If you appreciate a story that balances genuine emotional depth with a sharp, intriguing puzzle, this is well worth curling up with.

[Chloë Blyth]

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 😊

[Jillian Cole]

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.

[bookloversclub2023]

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.

[Rebecca]

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.

[Sallie Greenhalgh]

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!!!!

[Sarah Jules]

'The Perfect Christmas' is the PERFECT Christmas thriller (and you don't have to wait until Christmas to read it).
Stevenson never fails to write thrillers that force you to say 'one more chapter'. 'The Perfect Christmas' is the perfect 'one more chapter' book. You'll find it near impossible to put down.
Without giving anything away, this book had my jaw on the floor. It went in a direction I could not have ever anticipated, and I loved every second of it.
'The Perfect Christmas' is a must-read this holiday season. Don't sleep on this one!

[Marianne Crichton]

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.

[Kimberley McCarthy]

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.

[Roberta Kime]

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!

[Alison Irving]

This is a twisty story about complex family relationships, living with OCD and struggling with the aftermath of difficult events.

Lorelai and Oscar are sympathetic characters throughout and I warmed to Conrad as the story progressed. The pacing was spot on, the twists jaw dropping and the ending superb.

Without giving too much away, I'd recommend this for anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers with morally grey characters.

[Zoe E]

I was hooked.
And the twists in this were definitely twisting.
The first twist had me gasping. I actually had to go back and see if I had missed something.
Amazing writing and descriptions as with all of Charlotte's books. I really enjoy her writing style. It just pulls you right in.
Clever plot, full of suspense and tension. Dark in places, frustrating in places. Great character development.
I really enjoyed the before chapters too, and think they added an extra layer to the story.

[Teresa Ryder]

WOW, what a talent this author has. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, such imaginative writing. Loved all the characters, they gelled together really well and were extremely believable. It was dark, twisted, creepy and endearing all rolled into one domestic thriller. It shows you what some people will do for family. Nice short chapters which made it easy to read. Devoured in just one sitting, a real addictive page turner, such a shame it had to end.

[Ellen Townley]

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

[Caitriona Doyle]

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.

[Cathy]

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.

[Yvette Salmon]

This is a good Christmas thriller that really gripped me . I did though have to go back a read certain pages twice as I wasn’t sure if I’d missed something.
A good dark thriller with short chapters which I like . I found myself saying just one more chapter. With good characters and with any good thriller lots of secrets that always seem to come to the surface. Worth a read