The 12 Terrors of Christmas

by Claudette Melanson, Lynn Lamb

Award-winning author Claudette Melanson offers eleven new and original stories to make your skin crawl at any time of the year. This horror anthology also includes an original short by Amazon International Best-Selling Author, Lynn Lamb, titled "Bring Me Flesh and Bring Me Wine." A special bonus story is also included by Melanson, "Mislead," previously published only on the Halloweenpalooza blog. Grab a cup of cocoa and make sure the windows and doors are locked tight as you settle in by the fire to enjoy these tales of terror, but be warned...locks have never succeeded at keeping Santa from gaining entry. If you enjoy a slice of horror with your holiday cheer, this collection of Christmas horror shorts will satisfy all your dark cravings during the holidays...and beyond.


Terror Who is Santa really? Does something sinister lurk beneath the red suit and apple-cheeked visage? More importantly, what does Santa want for Christmas?
Terror It is said that every wish bears a cost...even a wish of good intent. What do Detective Talbot and his son, Mallory, stand to lose when the pair seek to right a wrong on Christmas Eve?
Terror Christmas can be a time for great joy...but also for heart-wrenching regret. Can the magic of Christmas Eve turn back the clock before time runs out for Morana and her family?
Terror Snow falls white and clean, seeming to purify the small town of Moon, Pennsylvania, but the woods behind Vaughn's home have taken on a sinister cast. The snow keeps falling in record-breaking depths, but does evil lay hidden beneath its seemingly-innocent luster?
Terror As his elves scurry to fill the toy orders for the busy season, unknown terror creeps toward the workshop intent on releasing an evil meant to cancel Santa's yearly deliveries forever.
Terror A well-meaning elf casts a spell which could inadvertently reveal the dark truth about Santa's workshop and its inhabitants. The world's children may end up paying a terrifying price, proving that the path of good intention oftentimes does indeed lead to hell.
Terror A scary twist on a classic Christmas poem
Terror Santa's sleigh plummets to the ground, tearing all hope of a merry Christmas to bits and pieces. Will the elves be able to employ enough magic to stitch together some sort of solution? Or will their efforts only deliver greater horror and loss?
Terror Trinette is preparing to celebrate her first Christmas in love. Her boyfriend says he found the perfect gift for her, but beneath the shiny red paper and ribbon lies a secret he's kept hidden during all the months of their courtship...
Terror The world's population explosion means business is booming at Santa's workshop, with the need to expand making a difficult excavation below the permafrost necessary. But the elves should use caution lest they dig up an evil best left buried.
Terror A special holiday treat for Maura DeLuca fans! Riptide ended on a happy note, but how did Maura's extended family celebrate Christmas? Could it be that the holiday didn't quite play out the way the vampires planned?
Terror It's a dangerous time to call oneself a non-believer. Those who scoff at Santa's existence are melting all over the world. But could the benevolent head elf turn out to be the murderer?


Vampires, ghosts, demons, elves, werewolves, serial killers and a rampaging Krampus are just a few of the monsters creeping amongst the pages of The 12 Terrors of Christmas. Are you brave enough to venture inside to experience the flip side of the typical Hallmark-themed Christmas?

Genres: Horror, Christmas, Short Stories, Anthologies, Fiction, Holiday, Supernatural

395 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 10, 2017

About the author

Claudette Melanson writes dark fantasy in Kitchener, Ontario with seven bun babies: Tegan, Pepper, Butters, Beckett, Sansa, Daenerys, & Caramel. She graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a BA in English, BS in English Education and an MA in Literature. Harboring a deep admiration of vampires since the age of five left her with the desire to eventually become one, and now fuels the creation of her favorite paranormal characters. She hopes to one day work full time as an author, since there are many, many stories playing out inside her head.

In her very scant spare time, she enjoys watching Japanese Anime and reading vampire stories...along with other genres of great fiction, as well as riding every roller coaster she encounters in both her hometown and away at signings. An advocate for good health and ketogenic eating, her favorite foods are bulletproof coffee, cashew-flour crust pizza and treats made with xylitol and almond, coconut or cashew flours.

Future dreams include a cabin boasting a roaring fire, isolated inside a snow-filled wood in the Yukon—the perfect writing spot—and the completion of dozens of future novels and stories. A Rabbit Rescue fanatic and loving bunmom, she also hopes to help rescues all over the world save many innocent lives.

In her spare time--what's that???--she loves to watch anime, game the XBox 360--especially Silent Hill Games, read great works of fiction & play with the bunnies. Coffee Lover, occasional blogger, Keto eater & movie watcher. Her first novel, Rising Tide, was the winner of the Gold Medal for YA Mystery in the 2015 Readers' Favorite Competition. Her second, Undertow, took Honorable Mention, for YA Horror the same year for Readers' Favorite. Rising Tide was also the medalist winner for New Apple's Summer Ebook competition.

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bet your biggest fear at Christmas is whether Santa really DOES know if you have been naughty or nice! You may just discover that even Santa and his crew have a dark side and just maybe you might be better off if he misses your home this year! Claudette Melanson is about to turn those dreams of sugarplums into nightmares of Ho-Ho-Horror.

Do you like short stories? Who says horror is a Halloween thing? Take a walk on the dark side with Claudette Melanson with THE 12 TERRORS OF CHRISTMAS and witness what happens when vampires, ghosts, demons and more get caught up in their own version of the Christmas Spirit.

Have you ever wondered why Santa is eternal? How did he meet Mrs. Claus, or should we say, how many times did he meet Mrs. Claus? What if Santa were a vampire? Kind of makes sense in a strange and twisted way. Where does he get the blood he needs while you are snuggled up in your beds?

We all know about his magical reindeer, but what would happen if a werewolf appeared at the North Pole? What if Christmas Eve fell on the night of the full moon? Let’s not even get started on wayward elf magic while making those toys and goodies…

Christmas should be a magical time of wishes coming true, but what would happen if one boy’s selfless wish turns into a nightmare of epic proportions at the hand of an evil Santa? Who could ever trust the jolly old elf again? Then again, have you ever thought of Santa and Frankenstein’s monster in the same breath?

Go ahead, settle in for some short Christmas tales, because after all “Tis the Season,” but don't say you weren’t warned, this author knows how to write on the dark side!

Leave to Claudette Melanson to put a dark spin on Santa, because really, did you think he was always so jolly, the time constraints he has alone are enough to turn him into a monster! Ms. Melanson just put it all into words…and she did it very well! You may want to reconsider that milk you always leave out and make Type O, instead...and those carrots for the reindeer, how about a side of raw meat?

I received a complimentary Review copy from Claudette Melanson!

Publisher: Claudette Melanson (December 10, 2017)
Publication Date: December 10, 2017
Genre: Holiday Horror Anthology
Print Length: 289 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Sherry Fundin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Claudette Melanson has been on my radar for some time now, but this will be my first reading of her work. And what a fabulous way to start. Overall, I give this short story anthology a rating of 4. Plenty of thrills and chills to whet your appetite and maybe think twice about what you want for Christmas. Do you believe in Santa?

Terror #1 – No one really believed in Santa, but Willa knew he was real. This look at how Santa came to be, how Christmas came to be, how he found his love and who he really is may shock you, yet explain his magic and immortality. Loved it and the fabulous twist on…. 4 Stars


Terror #2 – Ya know that saying, no good deed goes unpunished? It applies here in a tragic tale of a boy taken and the young boy who steps up to save his life. 4 Stars

Terror #3 – As I read of Amy’s ability to see into the future and talk to ghosts, I wonder if I would want to know, especially if all I could do is wait for it to happen… waiting with no hope. 4 Stars

Terror #4 – Love Krampus, who is not what he appears to be, as is Lamia, a four year old girl that works her Christmas magic, as Vaughn can attest to. 4 Stars

Terror #5 – Will…vampires and were of the Christmas kind abound in this sometimes vicious tale of the paranormal and magical world of Santa, reindeer and elves. 4 Stars

Terror #6 – A vampire is a vampire and a cookie could be his downfall, if he tries to make a bargain best left undone. 4 Stars

Terror #7 – This Christmas poem is filled with zombies, weres, demons, and Santa unlike the Santa you know. 4 Stars

Terror #8 – Would the sea witch bring down Santa and the North pole? She fooled me good! 4 Stars

Terror #9 – She may work for Scrooge, but her boyfriend wants to give her the ultimate gift. I saw the grisly coming. 3 Stars

Terror #10 – Elves, dwarfs, zombies, even a zombie shark. LOVE IT. 4 Stars

Terror #11 – I have not read Riptide YET, but I enjoyed this look into the family’s holiday celebration. 3 Stars

Terror #12 – Lynn Lamb’s contribution. Want to know how Santa can make it around the world in one night? What would happen if he lost his mind? Can Cinnamon Styx and the children save Christmas? Loved it. 4 Stars

See more at fundinmental

[Latasha]

DNF at 39%

[Ben Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great Christmas Terror story. Strong, descriptive writing, Mrs. Melanson has another hit on her hands.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do love a good anthology because you never really know what you are going to get, and what I got here was better than I have read in a long time. The characters throughout were interesting and much more different than anyone I could have imagined. I also like the way things were laid out because it kept me guessing as to what was going to happen next. This gets 4.1 stars after averaging all the stories read, as usual, some better than others.

My Christmas Immortal- 4.5
I liked all the characters especially Santa who came across as you would expect a very fine and jolly fellow. Willa was your typical child though willing to hang on to things others would give up. I have to say that I was kind of surprised by the ending though I should not have been.
Santa has been visiting Willa since she was a young child letting her know that he truly exists. But why would he do such a thing, could there be more behind these visits?

The Price of a Christmas Wish- 4.0
The story is kind of dark but also hopeful at the same time. The characters are well defined and come across as three dimensional for the most part. Some are a little too good to be true, however. I knew something bad was coming but it was beautifully told.
There is always a cost for wishes made whether good or bad. Detective Talbot's son makes a wish from a place of innocence that could affect many. What are they willing to pay if their wish harms others?

The Ghost of Christmas Could've Been- 4.0
I liked that the story was not blatant about the situation that the sister found herself in but let you figure it out for yourself.
Morana takes her sister on a journey that shows her how things could have been for them. That if she had only taken the time for herself they might have shared good times. This Christmas brought both joy and sorrow.

Snow Legions in the Time of Cowardice- 4.0
This story harkens back to a previous story given us more information on characters that we have met before. You get a story about the old country and the old ways, so dark and scary in many ways.
Snow falls white and clean, seeming to purify the small town of Moon, Pennsylvania, but the woods behind Vaughn's home have taken on a sinister cast. The snow keeps falling in record-breaking depths, but does evil lay hidden beneath its seemingly-innocent luster?

Don't Look a Gift Were in the Mouth- 4.0
I do love every minute we get to spend with Santa and his helpers. They are not having a good time but things are always going just left of center and making some more than sinister and terrifying things occur.
As the elves work to fill toy orders for the busy season unknown terror creeps towards the workshop ready to unleash an evil meant to cancel Santa's yearly deliveries forever.

A Recipe For Holiday Disaster- 5.0
I am happy to keep going back to characters we are getting to know better and better as the stories progress. The setting and storyline continue in a nonlinear manner but in a roundabout that keeps you guessing what might happen next.
A well-meaning elf casts a spell that could inadvertently reveal the dark truth about Santa and his workshop help. A terrifying price may be paid by the world's children, proving good intentions often do lead to hell.

Twas The Horror Before Christmas- 5.0
Not much to say here other than I love the twist on the original Christmas poem. It was kind of perfection.

All Santa's Were Deer and All Santa's Elves- 4.0
This was the twisties of the stories as far as I am concerned. I was really pulled into this one because it really took Santa out of his element and put us into the horror of things much more deeply.
Santa and his sleigh go down in a storm on Christmas Eve prompting fears of a less than Merry holiday. The head elf takes it upon himself to try and save the season with magic and a big dose of hands-on bodywork to try and save the day.

Just What You Always Wanted- 3.2
I was not really happy with this one mainly because I did not like the silly girl, she annoyed me. I did like the overall story because I knew what was coming long before it happened.
Trinette is preparing to share her first Christmas in love. Her boyfriend says he has found the perfect gift for her, but beneath the shiny paper and ribbon is a secret he has managed to keep hidden during all the months of dating.

Night of the Living Dead Elves- 4.5
I do love a good zombie story. How often do you get zombie elves running around in the snow? I am going to bet this may be the only time. Loved it!
Because of the explosion of children in the population Santa's workshop has a big need to expand. They must dig below the permafrost in order to get things done but they should be careful because they could find something they wanted to keep buried.

A Very Vampire Christmas- 3.5
This is a Maura DeLuca stand-alone story from the YA vampire series. I have never read anything in the series before but did enjoy this first look for me.
Maura is spending Christmas with her extended vampire family for the first time without her mom and dad. While the celebration starts out good for everyone it does not continue in that vein.

A Special Gift From Author Lynn Lamb- 3.0
Santa loses it and the Dringle twins help to bring him back.

I listened and read the story. The narrator of the audiobook is Pamela Hershey, I did not totally enjoy her narration at first but it got better as the book went on. She sometimes reminded me of the text to speech feature. I also would like to say that numerous elves were killed in the writing of this book, luckily the ones I liked were spared, mostly. Merry, Merry!

[Bookish · Rating 5 out of 5]

What if your most basic assumptions bout Santa turned out to be wrong?

What if your most basic assumptions bout Santa turned out to be wrong? Is he just a jolly old fat guy who delivers presents, or is there much, much more to his story?

Claudette Melanson presents a somewhat different version of Santa in these twelve stories, which are well-crafted and well told. There is some lovely connectivity between the stories, which is sometimes quite overt and at other times sneaks up on the reader and takes them by surprise.

This is a great holiday read for anyone more interested in “boo” than “ho ho ho”.

[Erika Messer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always been in love with Christmas and stories about Christmas. But I am also a HUGE horror buff, so when my two favorite things meet - well it's a masterpiece! I also love short stories because they are quick and easy to read for a single mom :) This book fit all of those perfectly. And these stories were not the regular run-of-the-mill scary stories - when it comes to Christmas, so many people do NOT want to read these kinds of stories. Like the movie Krampus - not many people I know enjoyed it because they hated to think of the terrible Christmas thoughts. But in other countries Christmas is not as nice as it is in America - and some of the stories and legends are terrifying. Krampus is absolutely without a doubt one of my favorite legends - and Terror Three dealt with that. I loved the story and how he summoned Krampus but realized all too late that there were more than just one monster afoot. Although I have to say my favorite out of all of them was Terror One. It was so well-written that I was just CRAVING the ending! I could NOT figure out what was happening and until the very end of the story I had no clue what was going on. Some people might find that story a little too much because it's about past lives and although it isn't really about kidnapping, it does seem as though it could be. But you have to read the entire story to understand WHY it's not what it seems. I would say my second favorite was Terror Five - in this one Santa is being set upon by werewolves and turning his beloved reindeer and all he wants is to save them all.

Vikings, werewolves, Krampus, vampirism and many other legends take part in this anthology, and of course there are 12, just like the 12 Days of Christmas :) I would consider this a must read for anyone who loves horror. I love the spin on each story that sheds a new light on each different Santa, it's awesome because of course every legend is different even in America - everyone sees Santa as this jolly old fat dude with white hair who is busting at his red suit seams and spends 364 days a year watching over the North Pole while his elves create the toys. Funny to think of it differently? Well then read this, because you will definitely see a different side of each Santa. But just because Santa is not what you expect, doesn't necessarily mean that he is the bad guy - tons of surprises await on every page!

And remember ... before you start to read the stories make sure you lock all the doors and windows and don't read in the middle of a blizzard - and "while visions of Krampus rampage through your head" ... Santa could ask for the "tiniest nip" - "after all, it IS Christmas, he'll take only a sip." **evil laughter**

All in all I give this five stars easily - it is horrific and terrifying and yet fun to read at the same time. I can say I will never see everything about Christmas - including cookies - the same way again :)

**I received a free book to read, no review was necessary**

[Quentin Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

If Clive Barker and Roald Dahl collaborated on a book, you'd get this one. Overall it's a very enjoyable (and unsettling) holiday read. Even though it's presented as an anthology, most of the stories are tied together. We range from contemporary horror to fantastical horror starring Santa and his elves (as well as vampires, werewolves, zombies, even zombie sharks.) Krampus shows up as well.

There was one story that feature characters from the author's young adult series, and to me it didn't fit well into the collection. Also, since the stories were linked I felt like we were missing a definitive ending, but those are minor points.

It may be a little too "out there" for some readers with the Santa and elf stories, but then again it is an Xmas horror book. I would highly recommend it, as it's very well written and every entertaining. (Be prepared for some gruesome horror, however.)

[Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such a laugh to read. I am not a particular fan of Christmas anymore and giving it a horror, vampire, were-wolf, thriller twist was exactly what I needed this year for my Christmas entertainment. It is well written with characters that you soon care about but make no mistake it is called "The 12 Terrors of Christmas" for a reason. There are some rather horrific parts in it and I admit, I have skipped a couple of pages. But if you are a fan of satirical stories with a horror twist this is certainly one for you. Both Claudette Melanson and Lynn Lamb are on my reading list from now on. Definitely a great reading discovery in 2018!

[Antoinette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this wonderful work of art down!!!!

This book definitely gave me some new perspectives on Santa. I would love to read a full novel of the Vampire Santa and his origins. I rooted for him so deeply. I just feel his tale is just beginning! Loved every second of this collection of short stories!

[Jasmine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've always been a fan of short horror stories, and so when I saw the option to review The 12 Terrors of Christmas, I jumped at the chance. I can't say I was too disappointed.

This was my first book by Claudette Melanson, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I knew there were twelve stories with a Christmas theme, and that was about it.

Turns out that all of the stories sort of intertwine with one another, even thought they also stand on their own. I liked the premise of the book having inter-connecting stories.

The first story intrigued me and sort of sucked me in. It introduces Santa and sets the tone for the rest of the stories in the book. The second story is even more messed up, but I enjoyed it. I also enjoyed story nine, because it really ties in with story two. Those were probably my favorites. And I found story five to be the most terrifying, mostly because... well, no spoilers from me.

There were a couple of stories that fell a little flat for me. I wasn't too keen on them, but they weren't bad. And one story, I believe, ties in with another book the author has written, so I didn't read that one, as I wasn't sure I'd be able to understand it or like it enough without having read the other book.

Overall, though, it's a nice collection of short horror stories involving a twist with who/what Santa really is. I can't say I was disappointed.

I give The 12 Terrors of Christmas 3.5 stars.

(I also think it's awesome the author graduated from IUP, as I grew up down in that area.)

[Courtney Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Buddy Read with LOHF

12/18: Terror One • My Christmas Immortal
- 3/5 - new twist on Santa I've never heard.

12/19: Terror Two • The Price of a Christmas Wish
- 3.5/5 - I would have backed off after seeing those black, hollow eyes. That's a sign right there.

12/20: Terror Three • The Ghost of Christmas Could've Been
- 2/5 That husband is a jackass, leave him.

12/21: Terror Four • Snow Legions in the Time of Cowardice
- 3.5/5

12/22: Terror Five • Don't Look a Gift Were-Deer in the Mouth - 4/5

12/23: Terror Six • A Recipe for Holiday Disaster - 3.5/5

12/24: Terror Seven • Twas the Horror Before Christmas - 2.5/5

12/25: Terror Eight • All Santa's Were-Deer and All Santa's Elves... - 4/5

12/26: Terror Nine • Just What You Always Wanted - 3/5

12/27: Terror Ten • Night of the Living-Dead Elves - 3/5

12/28: Terror Eleven • A Very Vampire Christmas - 3/5

12/29: Terror Twelve • Bring Me Flesh and Bring Me Wine - 4/5

12/30: Bonus Story • Mislead - 3.5/5

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas with a dark twist

Absolutely loved The 12 Terrors of Christmas, As well as the few chapters from Lynn.
Claudette gave me the darkest Christmas imaginable, each of the 12 terrors could stand on their own, yet fabulously interwoven into a bigger picture. Epic horror twist, enjoyed the poem.
Think of Santa, now make him dark. Of course, all the Christmas stories have a crepuscular twist. Looking forward to read more of Claudette’s imagination.

[G.G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite creepy fun! Expect a scary Christmas.

[Mistral Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Has Christmas ever seemed just a little bit sinister to you? Does the most magical time of the year make you wonder about the flip side; the dark magic? Have you ever wondered what might happen if you refuse to believe in the magic? If so, this is definitely the anthology for you! There are twelve Christmas stories in this book, each one spookier than the last. To be honest, they're so scary, I found myself wondering if this was a book for Christmas or for Halloween. But whatever holiday you choose to celebrate, this book will make your heart race... Just make sure to read it with the lights on. ;-)

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderfully creepy take on Santa... and Christmas.

I enjoyed these 12 dark and disturbing stories that explore a less than jolly side of the holiday season.
The short stories include zombie elves, were-deer and vampires to name but a few, and many of the tales were interlinked which added to the interest.

This is a well-written and descriptive anthology, and an entertaining read.

[TLCH · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read

Nice short stories. A couple were a bit difficult to follow but all in all it was pretty good. Several of the stories linked together but in different timelines that played our fairly well, though there was one that didn't quite flow as easily but perhaps that was just the way I perceived things.

[Jennifer Zamboni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome horror anthology! I meant to read it around Christmas. That didn’t happen, but it’s still worth sinking your teeth into, no matter the time of year! I loved how each story was a stand alone, yet interconnected. I’d love a whole book about Santa and his wife Willa. It’s a world that can keep on giving.

My question is, are all the stories also tied to the Mara Deluca books by the same author (she did feature in one of the stories, after all). Is Maxwell that is Santa’s sire the same as Mara’s father?

But yeah, I loved it, & I’d love to see a sequel anthology.

Lynne Lambs short story was also so good! Great characters and another horrifying Santa, I love it!

I’m gonna make an extra effort to read this anthology around Christmas next year!

[Eirlys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terror Stricken!

A horror anthology like no other. This was a well named book because terror stalked every page. I love horror and enjoyed the faint uneasiness that kept creeping up my neck. A very good book to read over Christmas.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas twist, good read.

[David M. Carroll · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unusual take on Christmas stories

The most unusual Christmas stories I've ever seen. The author has a very vivid imagination! A vampire story for the ages.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love short horror stories, this book is for you. The author cleverly takes several dark turns on Christmas legends. I never connected the legend of Santa with Frankenstein's monster or vampires. This author does that and more. Stories of ghosts, demons, serial killers, and werewolves make this a Christmas book not to be forgotten anytime soon.

My favorite is the second story. It shows a hope for change. A wish that is made in hope that evil can be undone. My second favorite is the eleventh story as it is about Maura, a character from the author's vampire series.

This is a well written and memorable anthology. The descriptions are vivid. I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys horror short stories. It is a highly entertaining read.

[Liz Marnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was fun

I don’t usually like vampire stories and I didn’t realize how much vampires would play into this collection, but it was so good! And the stories seemed to tie into each other which I really liked. I wasn’t a bit more from vampire Santa. And I wanted a bit of Krampus follow up, but this was a really fun read. I enjoyed it quite a bit even though it took me a long time to get through (slow reader). I think I will have to find more and see what else this author has for me to explore.

[Josh Towzey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Favorites:

Snow Legions in the Time of Cowardice
Don’t Look a Gift Were-Deer in the Mouth

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars bumped up to a 3 due to the uniqueness of blending Christmas with horror.
This wasn’t as good as I hoped. Most of the short stories were only about a 2 star rating. But I would give the 12th story a 3. I got this book to read out loud with my hubby under the Christmas tree for the 12 days of Christmas.
It was definitely unique but really felt like a YA Creepshow book.
Wouldn’t recommend, but it did entertain us.

[Helen Leecy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this collection not entirely sure what I’d find, and it turned out to be far stranger, more tangled, and far more supernatural than I expected. I thought the opening tale was going to veer into something sinister, only for it to drift into a mythical, almost ethereal direction. It set the tone in a way that left me curious but slightly unsure where the rest of the stories would lead.
What became clear as I moved through the book is that every story carries a streak of the uncanny. One moment, I was following a detective trying to find a missing child, and the next, I was knee-deep in something otherworldly. Some pieces were heartbreakingly bleak, others chaotic, and a few felt completely unrestrained. Story three, for example, is only eleven minutes long yet jumps around so quickly that the action loses impact — not helped by the author’s tendency to rush fight scenes. The characters didn’t always help either; the husband annoyed me, and Amy was a bit of a wet lettuce, especially when she clearly had time to make a sensible decision and didn’t.
Some of the longer stories dragged more than they needed to. One in particular felt as though it could have been trimmed, even though I liked the crossover with the earlier missing-child plot. The explanation of what “took” the child was interesting, but a four-year-old performing rituals single-handedly did stretch credulity. The Christmas mythology thread, however, was unexpectedly entertaining — I don’t think I’ve ever read anything that blends Santa, elves, and reindeer with this level of drama. The reindeer fights went on a bit, which made the later action feel repetitive, but I still enjoyed dipping into such a different version of the North Pole.
By the time I reached book six, the timelines and connections had become almost wild — centuries passing in one tale, a single year in another — yet I started to enjoy seeing how everything slotted together. It did make me wonder why the whole thing wasn’t simply packaged as one long novel rather than twelve broken segments. There were a couple of odd inclusions too, like a poem (I’m not a poem person) and a story that openly references another book the reader may not have encountered. The introduction actually primed me to feel lost, which didn’t help, and I never quite grasped what happened with Susie.
Some stories were better written than others. One of the final pieces had a smoother style and drew me back in, especially with its gentle message about believing again. The bonus story felt unnecessary —neither festive nor linked —and almost out of place after the rest of the collection.
Despite all the unevenness, I did find myself oddly invested. The weaves between tales were fun to spot, and the sheer unpredictability kept me turning pages. The main things that let the book down were the editing issues — missing words, typos, and occasionally clunky phrasing — plus the frantic pacing during action scenes.
All that said, I enjoyed the experience overall. It was unusual, sometimes baffling, sometimes touching, and undeniably memorable. I looked forward to seeing how each thread tied into the last, even when the journey felt a little bumpy. If you’re in the mood for something festive with a twist of the bizarre, this collection certainly delivers that.

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really great mix and match of short, dark, some fantasy, Christmas stories that I'd love to see a toy line created from. I loved the added bonus list of the music Melanson listened to while writing these stories...very cool! Plus, Lynn Lamb's added story was a great addition. I am hoping I can find more titles by her.

[Alice Followill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its ok

I only gave 4 stars because I didn't think it was that scary, but still a book worth a read

[Josephine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wrong audience

Pacing was a bit tedious. Great if you're interested in vampires and drawn out fight scenes. Very little in the way of character or plot development.

[Mike Prewitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid collection but some of the stories are very similar.