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Under The Tree: A Christmas Thriller
Not yet published
Expected 12 Nov 26It's all merry and bright… until it isn't.
Lucy Holt loves Christmas. She also loves her job scouting land for data centers. And she’s never met a landowner she couldn't win over.
So when her boss sends her to Sorrel Creek to close a deal before the end of December, Lucy packs up her darling dog Bella, her cutest boots, and all the cheer she can muster.
The snowy mountain town looks like a holiday twinkling lights, a jolly Santa, and a Christmas festival on Main Street.
The Winsteads have been offered millions for their tree farm. But Xavier Winstead refuses to sell. He won't negotiate or explain, and he doesn't want Lucy asking questions.
Lucy is determined to get answers, even if it means getting closer to the brooding man who keeps telling her to leave.
But Xavier isn't the only one who wants Lucy gone.
The longer she stays, the more she suspects that beneath Sorrel Creek's Christmas charm lies a secret someone will do anything to keep buried.
If you want a little murder with your mistletoe… welcome to Sorrel Creek.
A holiday thriller from USA Today bestselling author Jenifer Ruff, for readers who like their Christmas stories cozy on the outside and chilling underneath.
Lucy Holt loves Christmas. She also loves her job scouting land for data centers. And she’s never met a landowner she couldn't win over.
So when her boss sends her to Sorrel Creek to close a deal before the end of December, Lucy packs up her darling dog Bella, her cutest boots, and all the cheer she can muster.
The snowy mountain town looks like a holiday twinkling lights, a jolly Santa, and a Christmas festival on Main Street.
The Winsteads have been offered millions for their tree farm. But Xavier Winstead refuses to sell. He won't negotiate or explain, and he doesn't want Lucy asking questions.
Lucy is determined to get answers, even if it means getting closer to the brooding man who keeps telling her to leave.
But Xavier isn't the only one who wants Lucy gone.
The longer she stays, the more she suspects that beneath Sorrel Creek's Christmas charm lies a secret someone will do anything to keep buried.
If you want a little murder with your mistletoe… welcome to Sorrel Creek.
A holiday thriller from USA Today bestselling author Jenifer Ruff, for readers who like their Christmas stories cozy on the outside and chilling underneath.
191 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication November 12, 2026
About the author
Jenifer Ruff
108 books910 followersUSA Today bestselling author Jenifer Ruff writes dark and twisty mystery thrillers, including the award-winning Agent Victoria Heslin Series. Jenifer spends her days writing with the goal of keeping her readers eagerly turning the pages and putting the clues together. She adores peace and quiet, animals, and exercise, especially hiking. If she’s not writing, she’s probably out exploring trails with her dogs. Sign up for her Reader's Newsletter at Jenruff.com and never miss a new release.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this book.
It's exactly as described and the author got it spot on, it feels like a Christmas hallmark story but with a darker under currant throughout. You have the feel good Christmas element to the story and while nothing dangerous is implied, something is off and there is a sense of tension involved. I loved it and in some ways wanted to skip to the end to find out what happens but at the same time I was enjoying the story and didn't want it to end. It was a real treat.
I loved the characters, which also includes a small adorable pup. Just picturing her in the cute outfits had me smiling. I must admit everybody made me suspicious. Although I was right not to trust one of them and I did guess the right one. The ending wasn't a hallmark ending either and I was pleasantly surprised with how everything turned out. I liked the way the author also did a round up of the characters, so you know what happened to them, especially with the way she made you care about them.
This is a shorter story for this author than normal but with the way everything unfolds and the tension builds it felt a lot longer that it was.
The story is mostly told by Lucy, with a few chapters from another character. This has the aim of keeping you on your toes as you try to puzzle out what is going on. It takes a while for the first chapter to come into play but when it does things begin to make sense and has more meaning.
I can't wait for the next spine tingling book from this talented author.
With Christmas fast approaching and a deal that needs closing, Lucy is tasked with getting the signature from a reluctant owner. The town is divided with half wanting the sale to go through for a data centre to be build and the other half want nothing to do with it. Lucy is unsure about the owner, Xavier proved to be elusive and never in but Lucy is good at her job and even if it means camping out in the small town, during Christmas she will get her answer. However not everything is as it seems in the small idyllic Christmas town and somebody wants Lucy gone before she uncovers there secret.
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
It's exactly as described and the author got it spot on, it feels like a Christmas hallmark story but with a darker under currant throughout. You have the feel good Christmas element to the story and while nothing dangerous is implied, something is off and there is a sense of tension involved. I loved it and in some ways wanted to skip to the end to find out what happens but at the same time I was enjoying the story and didn't want it to end. It was a real treat.
I loved the characters, which also includes a small adorable pup. Just picturing her in the cute outfits had me smiling. I must admit everybody made me suspicious. Although I was right not to trust one of them and I did guess the right one. The ending wasn't a hallmark ending either and I was pleasantly surprised with how everything turned out. I liked the way the author also did a round up of the characters, so you know what happened to them, especially with the way she made you care about them.
This is a shorter story for this author than normal but with the way everything unfolds and the tension builds it felt a lot longer that it was.
The story is mostly told by Lucy, with a few chapters from another character. This has the aim of keeping you on your toes as you try to puzzle out what is going on. It takes a while for the first chapter to come into play but when it does things begin to make sense and has more meaning.
I can't wait for the next spine tingling book from this talented author.
With Christmas fast approaching and a deal that needs closing, Lucy is tasked with getting the signature from a reluctant owner. The town is divided with half wanting the sale to go through for a data centre to be build and the other half want nothing to do with it. Lucy is unsure about the owner, Xavier proved to be elusive and never in but Lucy is good at her job and even if it means camping out in the small town, during Christmas she will get her answer. However not everything is as it seems in the small idyllic Christmas town and somebody wants Lucy gone before she uncovers there secret.
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
November 1, 2026
If you are looking for a Christmas thriller it is finally here! Under The Tree, by Author Jenifer Ruff, immediately grabs readers and doesn’t let go.
Lucy is working for an AI company in Los Angeles. She is tasked to travel to a small town in the mountains of southwest Virginia to seal a deal on property desired to build a data center
When she arrives, she finds the town charming. She and her pup stay in a rented cabin.
During the stay, Lucy meets with the family that own the farm. There are differences of opinions regarding the sale.
Strange messages are sent to Lucy! She takes them in stride and continues to do her job
When Lucy obtains information from a podcaster, she is able to solve a 15 year mystery in her life.
This book can be read in a few sittings. A real thriller with unseen twist. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lucy is working for an AI company in Los Angeles. She is tasked to travel to a small town in the mountains of southwest Virginia to seal a deal on property desired to build a data center
When she arrives, she finds the town charming. She and her pup stay in a rented cabin.
During the stay, Lucy meets with the family that own the farm. There are differences of opinions regarding the sale.
Strange messages are sent to Lucy! She takes them in stride and continues to do her job
When Lucy obtains information from a podcaster, she is able to solve a 15 year mystery in her life.
This book can be read in a few sittings. A real thriller with unseen twist. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Although I've only read a few books by Jenifer Ruff, I think I liked this one the best! This was such a fun read for a thriller. It's advertised as "If Hallmark had a dark side" and it totally fits! The tiny town with the big holiday spirit. Friendly residents always willing to help others. And then the big secret. Not as many twists and turns as one of her regular full size thrillers, but there were enough surprises to keep you interested. This is definitely a book you can and will want to read in a day.
November 4, 2026
“Under The Tree” by Jenifer Ruff was a great Christmas thriller!! I loved this one! Jenifer Ruff took what could have been a typical Hallmark Christmas story and turned it into something dark, twisted, and unsettling! There are dark secrets being dug up, and the suspense and intensity kept me hooked. I didn't want to put this one down! It’s definitely not your typical Christmas story, and I loved it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed this holiday thriller. I haven't really read a book by Jenifer Ruff that I haven't liked. This one is a standalone and at under 200 pages is a nice quick read. I picked up on part of what was going on early in, but there were still surprises in store later in the book.
November 1, 2026
ARC.
This one didn’t hit but was still decent! I loved the Christmas thriller effect but the story didn’t hit for me this time.
This one didn’t hit but was still decent! I loved the Christmas thriller effect but the story didn’t hit for me this time.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a great story that made me not want to put it down. Excitement and mystery with some holiday charm. A nice quick read!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews