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Merry Murder #1
Merry Murder
Poor Paul McKenna. He just wants to enjoy the holidays. But with an obstinate teen-aged daughter, Heather, and an unreasonable wife who enables her, Paul is anything but jolly. Heather has her heart set on getting the latest cell phone for Christmas. The only problem is Paul can't find one within the acceptable price range. He simply refuses to fall victim to holiday price-gouging. He has every intention of buying the phone weeks after Christmas when it's half the price. Surely, Heather will understand...right? In this tale of vengeance, a well-intentioned father will find that sometimes it's better to appease an incorrigible teen daughter-no matter the cost-rather than incur her wrath.
103 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 23, 2016
392 people want to read
About the author
Angel Gelique
19 books477 followersTake my hand and let me lead you to the dark side....
I don't want you to curl up and be cozy; I want to take you well out of your comfort zone.
I don't want to send a tingle up your spine; I want to paralyze you with fear.
I don't want you to read about a character's fright; I want you to experience it.
I don't want to take you down a well-traveled path; I want to lead you beyond the shadows into a realm of darkness beyond your wildest imagination.
Because ordinary horror is for ordinary people.
Dare to be extraordinary.
If you ever give my books a try, I would love to receive your comments, suggestions and/or critique. I never, ever grumble about negative reviews. I value honest, constructive criticism and am always happy to answer any questions you may have. Feel free to reach out to me here on Goodreads or via email at: angelgeliquebooks@gmail.com
I can't begin to express my gratitude for all of you awesome readers and the many wonderful friends I've met here on Goodreads. Thank you for your continued support.
Happy reading (and writing)!
I don't want you to curl up and be cozy; I want to take you well out of your comfort zone.
I don't want to send a tingle up your spine; I want to paralyze you with fear.
I don't want you to read about a character's fright; I want you to experience it.
I don't want to take you down a well-traveled path; I want to lead you beyond the shadows into a realm of darkness beyond your wildest imagination.
Because ordinary horror is for ordinary people.
Dare to be extraordinary.
If you ever give my books a try, I would love to receive your comments, suggestions and/or critique. I never, ever grumble about negative reviews. I value honest, constructive criticism and am always happy to answer any questions you may have. Feel free to reach out to me here on Goodreads or via email at: angelgeliquebooks@gmail.com
I can't begin to express my gratitude for all of you awesome readers and the many wonderful friends I've met here on Goodreads. Thank you for your continued support.
Happy reading (and writing)!
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 26, 2018
This is a suspenseful story about a very spoiled teenager. When she doesn't receive a gift that she craves, all hell breaks loose. Sometimes justice is served when least expected. This is the first book in a series of three. I eagerly await the second installment.
December 17, 2020
This was a very cool book! I read this in about an hour. I was just going to read a couple or so chapters and found myself so into the book I ended up reading the whole thing! :)
The story is about a teenager that wants (demands really) a certain kind of phone for Christmas and she wants her father to buy it for her no matter what. The author entwines the reader in with the characters as you start to feel for the father and you begin to understand what he has to go through with his daughter as she keeps demanding the phone.
It is probably what a lot of people go through with their kids when trying to buy them what they want for Christmas and the author captures all that in the book. But what happens if you don't buy your kids what they want? I am not going to give away spoilers as you will just have to read it for yourself to find out what happens. Five star read for this one.
The story is about a teenager that wants (demands really) a certain kind of phone for Christmas and she wants her father to buy it for her no matter what. The author entwines the reader in with the characters as you start to feel for the father and you begin to understand what he has to go through with his daughter as she keeps demanding the phone.
It is probably what a lot of people go through with their kids when trying to buy them what they want for Christmas and the author captures all that in the book. But what happens if you don't buy your kids what they want? I am not going to give away spoilers as you will just have to read it for yourself to find out what happens. Five star read for this one.
June 11, 2020
I read this one a while back but my prior review disapparated. So I am going to repeat it to the best of my ability.
Anyway, this was a clever horror tale told in the context of a situation I'm sure many can relate. Family discord during the holidays. But Angel Gelique amps it up to her naturally brutal creative extreme. I thoroughly enjoyed this. I could easily get into the father's head with her narrative. But it's interesting because there is something to both relate to and to despise in the main three characters. The poor son just gets taken for a ride by the mom, father, and daughter.
It's certainly brutal. Maybe not Hillary level brutal, but brutal nonetheless.
I certainly recommend this one and Merry Madness the sequel.
Anyway, this was a clever horror tale told in the context of a situation I'm sure many can relate. Family discord during the holidays. But Angel Gelique amps it up to her naturally brutal creative extreme. I thoroughly enjoyed this. I could easily get into the father's head with her narrative. But it's interesting because there is something to both relate to and to despise in the main three characters. The poor son just gets taken for a ride by the mom, father, and daughter.
It's certainly brutal. Maybe not Hillary level brutal, but brutal nonetheless.
I certainly recommend this one and Merry Madness the sequel.
Read
December 24, 2016This is the first book in a two-book series. Be warned, it has one of those potentially frustrating, "To be continued" endings. Sorry!!! :-)
But at least it's a nice, quick read and doesn't contain the gore and depravity that's usually present in my stories. The most you'll find in here is a little crude humor and bad language.
Happy holidays to all of my awesome Goodreads friends!
But at least it's a nice, quick read and doesn't contain the gore and depravity that's usually present in my stories. The most you'll find in here is a little crude humor and bad language.
Happy holidays to all of my awesome Goodreads friends!
December 4, 2018
DISCLOSURE: The author and I have been Goodreads friends for several years. I received a copy in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own.
An entitled teenage daughter. An enabling mother. An unyielding father. What could possibly go wrong?
As this was my introduction to Angel Gelique, naturally I didn't know what to expect. There were no preconceived notions, save the fact that I thought I knew how it would end. In that respect, I was both right and wrong. I had a pretty good idea of how it would happen, and when. Wrong again. What I did not realize was the depths Gelique would go to keep the pages turning (this was highly addictive,) and to ensure one shocking twist after another. None was as satisfying, and completely earned, as the ending.
As impressed as I was with the smooth, narrative flow, which offered minimal wordiness and a handful of cliched terms, the one aspect that astounded me was the brutal honesty with which she wrote it. Most authors are probably afraid to take it that far, whether they're worried about separating the reader or whatever the reason may be, but not Angel. She seemed to excel by defying to norm; by residing, albeit momentarily, in the confines of the fringe. I cannot express how happy and proud and relieved this makes me.
I also think that the four main characters are ones that just about everyone can relate to, on some level (the fourth being Ryan,) or another. Especially Paul.
The characters themselves weren't flat, but they weren't intimate portrayals, either. There was just enough development to give the reader a good sense of who they were personally. Gelique seemed to revel in the ins and outs of her characters, revealing their good and bad qualities, in a wholly unpretentious manner. She simply told her story.
And for a book that's less than a hundred pages, Merry Murder packed a hell of a punch. Highly recommend!
An entitled teenage daughter. An enabling mother. An unyielding father. What could possibly go wrong?
As this was my introduction to Angel Gelique, naturally I didn't know what to expect. There were no preconceived notions, save the fact that I thought I knew how it would end. In that respect, I was both right and wrong. I had a pretty good idea of how it would happen, and when. Wrong again. What I did not realize was the depths Gelique would go to keep the pages turning (this was highly addictive,) and to ensure one shocking twist after another. None was as satisfying, and completely earned, as the ending.
As impressed as I was with the smooth, narrative flow, which offered minimal wordiness and a handful of cliched terms, the one aspect that astounded me was the brutal honesty with which she wrote it. Most authors are probably afraid to take it that far, whether they're worried about separating the reader or whatever the reason may be, but not Angel. She seemed to excel by defying to norm; by residing, albeit momentarily, in the confines of the fringe. I cannot express how happy and proud and relieved this makes me.
I also think that the four main characters are ones that just about everyone can relate to, on some level (the fourth being Ryan,) or another. Especially Paul.
His smile is warm and genuine. I'm pretty sure that Ryan is the only reason I haven't divorced Maeve and left for good. He's the only one who understands me, the only one who doesn't think the worst of me, doesn't judge me, doesn't overburden me with the weight of the world.
The characters themselves weren't flat, but they weren't intimate portrayals, either. There was just enough development to give the reader a good sense of who they were personally. Gelique seemed to revel in the ins and outs of her characters, revealing their good and bad qualities, in a wholly unpretentious manner. She simply told her story.
And for a book that's less than a hundred pages, Merry Murder packed a hell of a punch. Highly recommend!
June 6, 2018
This was a neat story about poor old Paul, and his pain in the ass bratty daughter who wants-expects-demands the new phone of her choice.
I really felt for Paul's predicament as he attempted to appease his annoying child, and his unsympathetic wife was probably the root of the problem.
This was well written, and without giving away any spoilers I enjoyed the way this story played out.
I really felt for Paul's predicament as he attempted to appease his annoying child, and his unsympathetic wife was probably the root of the problem.
This was well written, and without giving away any spoilers I enjoyed the way this story played out.
January 17, 2019
Not finished!!!!
Although, I knew from the author's note that this was '... the first book in a three-book series and it ends with one of those vexing open endings ...' I want to read, 'Merry Madness' & 'Merry Mayhem' now!
You don't care about me, Angel, why would you only send me the first to this book, knowing that I would finish in 2 hours and would want to read the rest. You're just like Paul! Hahaha!
Of course everyone who has read this first book knows that I am simply mimicking, Heather, and Maeve (unfortunately)!
What a character Heather is? So, I cannot leave a review until I sweet-talk Angel into sending me the next two books. She has a sweet-tooth, so just send her candy and chocolates, and she'll send you her books!
Great read. Finished in one sitting, not only because of its length, but because it kept my interest. I can't really say too much except I wonder why, Paul, before his ... didn't ask Suri, 'Suri, what is the word when a father or mother kills one own child?' Suri, 'Well, Paul, I believe the word you are looking for is, "filicide"'
Paul, 'Thanks, Suri ... Suri ... how does one commit this "filicide?'
Of course I am not serious, this is just in regards to the story, and I am in no way telling anyone who is going through similar things at home to ask Suri for help in harming their children!
Please read the blurbs to my books to know that it is Angel who is bringing out these thoughts in me!
I am going to read, 'Love You Forever' by Robert Munsch now!
Although, I knew from the author's note that this was '... the first book in a three-book series and it ends with one of those vexing open endings ...' I want to read, 'Merry Madness' & 'Merry Mayhem' now!
You don't care about me, Angel, why would you only send me the first to this book, knowing that I would finish in 2 hours and would want to read the rest. You're just like Paul! Hahaha!
Of course everyone who has read this first book knows that I am simply mimicking, Heather, and Maeve (unfortunately)!
What a character Heather is? So, I cannot leave a review until I sweet-talk Angel into sending me the next two books. She has a sweet-tooth, so just send her candy and chocolates, and she'll send you her books!
Great read. Finished in one sitting, not only because of its length, but because it kept my interest. I can't really say too much except I wonder why, Paul, before his ... didn't ask Suri, 'Suri, what is the word when a father or mother kills one own child?' Suri, 'Well, Paul, I believe the word you are looking for is, "filicide"'
Paul, 'Thanks, Suri ... Suri ... how does one commit this "filicide?'
Of course I am not serious, this is just in regards to the story, and I am in no way telling anyone who is going through similar things at home to ask Suri for help in harming their children!
Please read the blurbs to my books to know that it is Angel who is bringing out these thoughts in me!
I am going to read, 'Love You Forever' by Robert Munsch now!
January 12, 2021
It's the Christmas holiday and poor Paul McKenna wants to enjoy them. His daughter Heather wants the latest cell phone for Christmas. The only thing is Paul can't find one in an acceptable price range. Sounds like a typical burp in the family holiday, this story will turn typical upside down. The relationship between Paul, his wife and daughter has a very real quality to it,giving it the added quality of feeling quite familiar.
Angel Gelique once again has pushed the envelope of horror right through another wall. Told in the first person Paul is an excellent character you can feel for, while his daughter and wife (Heather, Maeve) are so well crafted you won't have any trouble hating them. His wife and daughter are as unlikable as Paul is sympathetic.
The author does a marvelous job of letting us into Paul's head so we can know what he knows, when he knows it.
The story will hook you from the start and at under 100 pages will keep you turning pages till the end, which is a cliffhanger and done really well.
A fast read that pulls no punches (as is the authors style) this is a great read that will entertain.
Angel Gelique once again has pushed the envelope of horror right through another wall. Told in the first person Paul is an excellent character you can feel for, while his daughter and wife (Heather, Maeve) are so well crafted you won't have any trouble hating them. His wife and daughter are as unlikable as Paul is sympathetic.
The author does a marvelous job of letting us into Paul's head so we can know what he knows, when he knows it.
The story will hook you from the start and at under 100 pages will keep you turning pages till the end, which is a cliffhanger and done really well.
A fast read that pulls no punches (as is the authors style) this is a great read that will entertain.
December 24, 2017
A decent Christmas thriller type book. I gave this puppy 5 stars because I enjoyed the story line as it kept me interested. I thought it was well written and had a nice flow about it. But mainly because of my reaction to the daughter character (and the mother if I must be honest). I was so steaming mad that I wanted to just rip through those pages and do a little strangling. Please tell me there are not kids, and even parents, like this in the world. If a book gets me to react "out loud" (my poor husband) like this little short story did, then it gets extra stars from me. Well done!
February 4, 2018
I loved this pretty intense book! The story was told in Paul’s first person point-of-view. I felt so bad for him. He was surrounded by crazy chicks. Oh my goodness, I hated Heather and his wife Maeve with a passion. The author did a wonderful job making those two ladies enormous bullies. They were the perfect villains. I was happy for Paul when his son visited for the holidays. Finally a peace of mind, even if short-lived before Heather’s extreme temper tantrum ruined everything.
I loved getting inside Paul’s head. He knew something was wrong, but there was nothing he could really do about it since his wife kept taking their daughter’s side. I wanted to punch Heather in the face; that’s how great Angel Gelique made that character a bad guy. As a reader, I was also quite scared of Heather. She was a narcissist to the core–a psychopath too. Who could have ever thought what would happen because of a cell phone? The story blew my mind (in a good way)!
My favorite line: Though to be fair, she’s only grown grossly intolerable over the past couple of months since her last cell phone began showing signs of electronic Alzheimer’s. I truly loved the ending. Does Paul’s wife have a change of heart? Does Heather still make your skin crawl? You’ll have to read the book to find out.
I RECOMMEND this book to read.
I loved getting inside Paul’s head. He knew something was wrong, but there was nothing he could really do about it since his wife kept taking their daughter’s side. I wanted to punch Heather in the face; that’s how great Angel Gelique made that character a bad guy. As a reader, I was also quite scared of Heather. She was a narcissist to the core–a psychopath too. Who could have ever thought what would happen because of a cell phone? The story blew my mind (in a good way)!
My favorite line: Though to be fair, she’s only grown grossly intolerable over the past couple of months since her last cell phone began showing signs of electronic Alzheimer’s. I truly loved the ending. Does Paul’s wife have a change of heart? Does Heather still make your skin crawl? You’ll have to read the book to find out.
I RECOMMEND this book to read.
December 23, 2018
This was a fun read. Teenagers are something else, but it's hard to imagine any as horrible as Heather, though there are a handful of people like her out there. It was a horror story but laugh out loud funny at times. I particularly love the parodies on brand names (such as Cabbage Crotch Dolls) that had me cracking up. I read this in 2 days but probably would have read it in one if I didn't absolutely HAVE to get some sleep for work the next day. I am on to part 2 now.
December 13, 2024
So good! Gelique is a great writer. I couldn’t stop reading!
November 30, 2025
𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐭. 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐦𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐧𝐨 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐡𝐞'𝐬 𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐰. 𝐈'𝐥𝐥 𝐝𝐢𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭.
When you reach a certain age, you just want to enjoy the holidays. The thought of trying to hunt down the latest 'it' item for your kid fills you with dread, especially if they're an entitled little sh*t who doesn't deserve it in the first place. If this scenario sounds familiar, meet Paul McKenna. His teen daughter Heather is demanding the latest phone for Christmas, and Paul procrastinates; partly because he's a man, but mostly because in his heart of hearts, he doesn't feel that Heather deserves such a nice gift. When his wife successfully guilt-trips him, he reluctantly sets out to get it.
The only problem is, that hot item is nowhere to be found, but he reasons that he can get it after Christmas when prices will go down anyway. He is sure that Heather will understand, but Paul will soon learn a phone was a small price to pay to avoid his daughter's wrath. This was a short, fun read that will definitely have you side-eyeing your teen. This was a backlist title that I'm glad I finally got to!
When you reach a certain age, you just want to enjoy the holidays. The thought of trying to hunt down the latest 'it' item for your kid fills you with dread, especially if they're an entitled little sh*t who doesn't deserve it in the first place. If this scenario sounds familiar, meet Paul McKenna. His teen daughter Heather is demanding the latest phone for Christmas, and Paul procrastinates; partly because he's a man, but mostly because in his heart of hearts, he doesn't feel that Heather deserves such a nice gift. When his wife successfully guilt-trips him, he reluctantly sets out to get it.
The only problem is, that hot item is nowhere to be found, but he reasons that he can get it after Christmas when prices will go down anyway. He is sure that Heather will understand, but Paul will soon learn a phone was a small price to pay to avoid his daughter's wrath. This was a short, fun read that will definitely have you side-eyeing your teen. This was a backlist title that I'm glad I finally got to!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews