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20 Minutes #8
20 Minutes Before Christmas
It's a magical time of year. But not for everyone...
It's Christmas Eve, and London is still reeling from the events on Bonfire Night. But time waits for nobody, so what fresh drama is in store as the presents are wrapped, the turkeys are cooked, and the clock counts down to the most wonderful day of the year?
Mistletoe. Mince Pies. Mulled wine. And murder...
It's Christmas Eve, and London is still reeling from the events on Bonfire Night. But time waits for nobody, so what fresh drama is in store as the presents are wrapped, the turkeys are cooked, and the clock counts down to the most wonderful day of the year?
Mistletoe. Mince Pies. Mulled wine. And murder...
151 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 10, 2020
165 people are currently reading
424 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Hurst
89 books3,959 followersDaniel Hurst is an Amazon #1 bestselling author of fast paced psychological thrillers. His most popular titles include Til Death Do Us Part, The Passenger and The Doctor's Wife, the latter title reaching #1 on the Amazon UK Kindle store in February 2023. A regular KDP Select All Star since he became a full-time author in 2021, Daniel prides himself on writing fast, releasing stories often and engaging with his readers.
You can visit him at www.danielhurstbooks.com, where you can also download a copy of his FREE thriller 'Just One Second.'
You can visit him at www.danielhurstbooks.com, where you can also download a copy of his FREE thriller 'Just One Second.'
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 8, 2021
Loving this series , another 20 minute instalment of characters old & new. The series is sprinkled with characters I both love & hate. I always look forward to the next “chapter” of how they are all getting on. Roll on 20 minutes of Valentine’s Day
January 1, 2021
Brilliant as always
December 28, 2020
Really enjoyed the latest instalment in the 20 minute series. I feel like I really know the repeated characters now so read into their chapters really easily. And I’m eager to learn about the new characters and see how the fit in the world Daniel Hurst has created! Already looking forward to the next one!
December 13, 2020
20 minutes more!
Each book is like reading a few chapters of a huge book. It’s interesting to see each characters story, sometimes you want the story to continue a bit more. Some details are repeated over the characters but it builds up the imagery of many people all experiencing the same thing simultaneously.
Looking forward to the next “chapter”
Each book is like reading a few chapters of a huge book. It’s interesting to see each characters story, sometimes you want the story to continue a bit more. Some details are repeated over the characters but it builds up the imagery of many people all experiencing the same thing simultaneously.
Looking forward to the next “chapter”
July 4, 2021
Daniel Hurst has done it again with another in the 20 Minutes series. 20 Minutes Before Christmas has some of the characters that we've come to know and love as well as introducing new ones. An easy read but very entertaining at the same time. You can see the characters while your reading about them. I recommend this series and think you'll enjoy them if you give them a go.
June 30, 2022
I’m having a bit of difficulty because I haven’t read these in order. I didn’t know 🤷🏼♀️
February 23, 2025
Taking place about seven weeks after
"20 Minutes Around the Bonfire"
, this one is exactly as the title suggests - it's literally 20 minutes before Christmas...on Christmas Eve. This time the Christmas spirit is captured amidst some of our favourites we have been following from almost the beginning alongside some more new faces, here for the holidays, some maybe beyond.
Opening once again with our favourite Jelena, this time there's a twist to their story which I shall refrain from mentioning so as to not spoil it for the reader. But it was one that made me go searching through the following books after for any clues as to what will happen there.
Another favourite is Will who is struggling with his blindness and also the tragedy that rocked him at halloween. And then there is Harry, still mischievious, this time setting off his house alarm on Christmas Eve. April continues to drown her sorrows months after learning the truth about Joe, this time going home with a handsome stranger. For the first time, we get a chapter from her bestie Katie who finds her own handsome stranger to celebrate with. We see Lindsey await Diego, who is busy "working" late and then we get Diego's perspective and where he really is. Helen, the woman saved from stepping off Waterloo Bridge, is enjoying Midnight Mass with her family. Kathryn, whose daughter was languishing in a Peruvian prison, has the best reason to celebrate. Mark, whose little boy has leukaemia, knows this will be their last Christmas with him so makes it extra special. Valentin is on the prowl for his next victim. We also see the return of policeman >b>Tom, Carol, Chantelle, Curtis, Bogdan and a surprise regarding Louise.
New faces to the mix are Nina, a reporter outside Belmarsh prison; Jimmy, a prisoner inside Belmarsh; Paula, heading up a murder investigation with MIT; and Tracey and Zoe, mums preparing for the big day respectively.
I am thoroughly enjoying this series and while some of the faces only appear for the one book, even though I feel some have more story to tell, I am fully invested in those that have been with us from almost the start. Like that of Jelena and Bogdan, Will and Chantelle, Tom, cheeky Harry and even this new twist involving Louise. Some regulars I could do without like April who just drinks herself stupid in each book, Diego who is just deplorable and Lindsey I could take or leave. Valentin is like a car crash you can't look away from. I don't like him and would love to see the back of him, but his story is gripping as we follow his exploits and what he will do next.
My only complaint is with the recapping for each regular comes a bit of repetition in each of the chapters, like when it's mentioned several times for several characters about the events on bonfire night in Battersea Park (from last book). It could be recapped without the repetition while just alluding to events. But still an addictive series.
Next...20 Minutes of Valentine's Day
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
Opening once again with our favourite Jelena, this time there's a twist to their story which I shall refrain from mentioning so as to not spoil it for the reader. But it was one that made me go searching through the following books after for any clues as to what will happen there.
Another favourite is Will who is struggling with his blindness and also the tragedy that rocked him at halloween. And then there is Harry, still mischievious, this time setting off his house alarm on Christmas Eve. April continues to drown her sorrows months after learning the truth about Joe, this time going home with a handsome stranger. For the first time, we get a chapter from her bestie Katie who finds her own handsome stranger to celebrate with. We see Lindsey await Diego, who is busy "working" late and then we get Diego's perspective and where he really is. Helen, the woman saved from stepping off Waterloo Bridge, is enjoying Midnight Mass with her family. Kathryn, whose daughter was languishing in a Peruvian prison, has the best reason to celebrate. Mark, whose little boy has leukaemia, knows this will be their last Christmas with him so makes it extra special. Valentin is on the prowl for his next victim. We also see the return of policeman >b>Tom, Carol, Chantelle, Curtis, Bogdan and a surprise regarding Louise.
New faces to the mix are Nina, a reporter outside Belmarsh prison; Jimmy, a prisoner inside Belmarsh; Paula, heading up a murder investigation with MIT; and Tracey and Zoe, mums preparing for the big day respectively.
I am thoroughly enjoying this series and while some of the faces only appear for the one book, even though I feel some have more story to tell, I am fully invested in those that have been with us from almost the start. Like that of Jelena and Bogdan, Will and Chantelle, Tom, cheeky Harry and even this new twist involving Louise. Some regulars I could do without like April who just drinks herself stupid in each book, Diego who is just deplorable and Lindsey I could take or leave. Valentin is like a car crash you can't look away from. I don't like him and would love to see the back of him, but his story is gripping as we follow his exploits and what he will do next.
My only complaint is with the recapping for each regular comes a bit of repetition in each of the chapters, like when it's mentioned several times for several characters about the events on bonfire night in Battersea Park (from last book). It could be recapped without the repetition while just alluding to events. But still an addictive series.
Next...20 Minutes of Valentine's Day
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
January 22, 2022
Awsome, w
Well.here I am again having just finished another of the 20 minute series. I am enjoying them so much that a couple of books I recorded last year have been released but normally I would have literally been debating with myself which to read first. Actually I think I would have started on the second as both books are by 2 of my favourite authors . That I know I would have read each book in a day. I am only mentioning it to try to give you some idea for me g
How much I am enjoying the 20 minutes series. For me to leave books by favourite authors. It's a testament to how good this series is. Also how addictive. Again it's written !one real live in the respect that a novel no matter how some of your favourite characters get close to losing each other but 99 times there's a way the writers seem to make it all ok in the end. Not every novel but most. Where in real life it's not like that is it. Not everyone gets to
Live or love the dream I think we all must have had have at different points in our lives. Well these novels are realistic I would even say someone like Valentine we have enough nutters in this word. Although real live I would have to Valentine new profession of anyone wanting to do the same. No that not true because I can actually imagine someone wanting to do it. But not actually doing it. So for me where things go well in this book is almost for some unexpected. Yet others expected it tends to be a lot closer to real life than some book. I only read crime and thrillers along with factual historical book of science book. Not these romantic or comedy books. I like to watch comedians not read about comedy in a boom. Romance OMG. No.no.no..I do sloppy unrealistic expectations ' I just feel like sticking my finger down my throat. Books similar to this of serial killer a good crime murder with police procedures. You really :::: if you like crime thriller and psychological thrillers you really must read the 20 minutes series. So adictive. I believe not Greco know off So minutes to Valentine think book 9 if it is 9 the 8 more to go after this one left to read
Well.here I am again having just finished another of the 20 minute series. I am enjoying them so much that a couple of books I recorded last year have been released but normally I would have literally been debating with myself which to read first. Actually I think I would have started on the second as both books are by 2 of my favourite authors . That I know I would have read each book in a day. I am only mentioning it to try to give you some idea for me g
How much I am enjoying the 20 minutes series. For me to leave books by favourite authors. It's a testament to how good this series is. Also how addictive. Again it's written !one real live in the respect that a novel no matter how some of your favourite characters get close to losing each other but 99 times there's a way the writers seem to make it all ok in the end. Not every novel but most. Where in real life it's not like that is it. Not everyone gets to
Live or love the dream I think we all must have had have at different points in our lives. Well these novels are realistic I would even say someone like Valentine we have enough nutters in this word. Although real live I would have to Valentine new profession of anyone wanting to do the same. No that not true because I can actually imagine someone wanting to do it. But not actually doing it. So for me where things go well in this book is almost for some unexpected. Yet others expected it tends to be a lot closer to real life than some book. I only read crime and thrillers along with factual historical book of science book. Not these romantic or comedy books. I like to watch comedians not read about comedy in a boom. Romance OMG. No.no.no..I do sloppy unrealistic expectations ' I just feel like sticking my finger down my throat. Books similar to this of serial killer a good crime murder with police procedures. You really :::: if you like crime thriller and psychological thrillers you really must read the 20 minutes series. So adictive. I believe not Greco know off So minutes to Valentine think book 9 if it is 9 the 8 more to go after this one left to read
January 6, 2023
I enjoyed 20 Minutes Before Christmas by Daniel Hurst a series of interconnected short stories.
Daniel manages to capture the Christmas spirit and alongside our familiar characters from his previous 20 Minute Series he manages to bring in more new characters.
The short story about Benjamin, the little boy who is riddled with leukemia is so touching especially when his parents Mark and Candice go all out to give their son the best Christmas as this may well be the very last one they will be able to celebrate together and it is in God's hands now.
I love the love story between Jelena and Bogdan and their trials and tribulations as they fight to survive.
I also love the beautiful relationship between Chantelle and Will whose eyesight has been cruelly taken away from him. Will still battles on even when a tragedy happens to someone very close to him.
Daniel manages to capture the Christmas spirit and alongside our familiar characters from his previous 20 Minute Series he manages to bring in more new characters.
The short story about Benjamin, the little boy who is riddled with leukemia is so touching especially when his parents Mark and Candice go all out to give their son the best Christmas as this may well be the very last one they will be able to celebrate together and it is in God's hands now.
I love the love story between Jelena and Bogdan and their trials and tribulations as they fight to survive.
I also love the beautiful relationship between Chantelle and Will whose eyesight has been cruelly taken away from him. Will still battles on even when a tragedy happens to someone very close to him.
September 29, 2023
I'm glad I can read these books so quickly, because my TBR pile numbers in the hundreds and I don't want to miss out on any of them! 😔 So quickly, partly because they are shorter than average, partly because they are more entertaining than average and partly because I am on hospice and have more time to read than average. Thank you, Daniel Hurst, for making my last weeks/months on earth more enjoyable (I still have a lot of your books I want to get through before I die)!
I have already started on the next one in the delightful series.
I have already started on the next one in the delightful series.
February 1, 2021
Another enjoyable read
Another great read from Daniel Hurst as he goes along with the different UK holidays. Maybe not quite as capturing as 20 Minutes Around the Bonfire, but it certainly adds to the storyline, goes up even more loose strings and reveals connections I hadn't made yet.
Another great read from Daniel Hurst as he goes along with the different UK holidays. Maybe not quite as capturing as 20 Minutes Around the Bonfire, but it certainly adds to the storyline, goes up even more loose strings and reveals connections I hadn't made yet.
December 26, 2020
Continuing the stories of some old and some new characters in the last 20 minutes of Christmas Eve. A follow on from Bonfire night and the tragic events that unfolded then. There are sad tales, frightening tales and poor Will gets it wrong again.
December 8, 2021
Decent
I wasn't a fan of the new characters introduced I would much rather prefer an in-depth insight into the previously featured characters. Valentin is scary as hell, might I just say.
I wasn't a fan of the new characters introduced I would much rather prefer an in-depth insight into the previously featured characters. Valentin is scary as hell, might I just say.
April 30, 2022
The 20 Minute Series is the most creative idea in story telling. I found it to be addictive and hard to not start the next one as soon as I finish this. The characters are seamlessly connected with several red herrings thrown in. This is binge worthy and highly recommended.
October 6, 2022
8th book in the Hurst 20-minute series, this one takes place during a twenty minute time span at Christmas in London. Several of the same characters are back and new ones as well - the holiday will bring many surprises to these 20 characters, some good and some not so much. Onto #9!
January 5, 2021
Easy read that had me hooked
Noooo! I finished too soon. Loved this series and really looking forward to the next installment. His influenced series is also very good
Noooo! I finished too soon. Loved this series and really looking forward to the next installment. His influenced series is also very good
June 2, 2021
A really good read
December 18, 2021
Fantastic
Another terrific read,marvellous characters splendid quirky plots,good story fabulously written,I love the characters,they come alive in the pages which I love
Another terrific read,marvellous characters splendid quirky plots,good story fabulously written,I love the characters,they come alive in the pages which I love
December 23, 2021
Brilliant as always and can recommend this series.
December 27, 2021
What can I say
What can I say about this series except it is most the best I have read in a very long time .each book is better than the last one .
What can I say about this series except it is most the best I have read in a very long time .each book is better than the last one .
January 5, 2023
Awesome
This series just gets better with each book. With Christmas the linking theme in the eighth book in the series we were led through a rollercoaster of emotions.
This series just gets better with each book. With Christmas the linking theme in the eighth book in the series we were led through a rollercoaster of emotions.
April 14, 2025
The series that keeps on giving
Following on from the attack on bonfire night. We follow the characters in the run up to Christmas. We might even meet some new ones.
Following on from the attack on bonfire night. We follow the characters in the run up to Christmas. We might even meet some new ones.
June 15, 2021
A quick easy read book 8 in series, following a variety of characters and after bonfire night. Easy to get lost in their lives just before Christmas.
December 19, 2022
𝑴𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒐𝒆. 𝑴𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝑷𝒊𝒆𝒔. 𝑴𝒖𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒆. 𝑴𝒖𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒓
𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤...
The eighth book in the series and now I feel like I really know the characters so look forward to reading about my favourites. Each book there’s new characters introduced and some are more rememberable than others. I’m hoping Bogdan can get his girl back in the next book 🤞🏼 I’ve already downloaded book 9 and I can’t wait to read it.
🌟🌟🌟🌟
𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤...
The eighth book in the series and now I feel like I really know the characters so look forward to reading about my favourites. Each book there’s new characters introduced and some are more rememberable than others. I’m hoping Bogdan can get his girl back in the next book 🤞🏼 I’ve already downloaded book 9 and I can’t wait to read it.
🌟🌟🌟🌟
July 31, 2023
•20 𝕄𝕚𝕟𝕦𝕥𝕖𝕤 𝕒𝕥 ℂ𝕙𝕣𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕞𝕒𝕤
•𝔻𝕒𝕟𝕚𝕖𝕝 ℍ𝕦𝕣𝕤𝕥
Next in the 20 Minute series & another great read.
It's Christmas Eve & the events of Bonfire Night are still on people's mind. Surely there can't be any more drama can there?!!!
I love these books, great quick reads full of action!
@danielhurstbooks
4🌟
#books #bookstagram #danielhurst
•𝔻𝕒𝕟𝕚𝕖𝕝 ℍ𝕦𝕣𝕤𝕥
Next in the 20 Minute series & another great read.
It's Christmas Eve & the events of Bonfire Night are still on people's mind. Surely there can't be any more drama can there?!!!
I love these books, great quick reads full of action!
@danielhurstbooks
4🌟
#books #bookstagram #danielhurst
February 13, 2025
It's Christmas Eve. By now, I think I know quite a lot about all the original characters, but i'm also either liking or hating the new characters that have been introduced to us so far. Once again, there are new characters to replace the ones we lost in the last book. Not all the stories in this book are happy considering it's nearly Christmas. Benjamin's story is touching, but will it be a happy ending?
#KindleBook
#KindleBook
May 21, 2021
All of these holiday settings are great. It's fun to keep checking in on the characters' lives every couple of months or so.
June 6, 2022
Book 8 of 20
I think after the excitement of the past few books the author wanted to bring things down a bit for the Christmas holiday. Which I can understand, it's what a lot of tv series do. I think it gave me time to compress which is much needed since it's 2 am and I NEEDED to find a stopping point so I can sleep.
With the exception of a few most of the chapters in this book were pretty chill. Parents preparing for the big Christmas morning reveal to their kids, hostesses trying to get through their 1000 item checklist before family and friends arrive, and a few lonely ones binging holiday movies or out keeping company with their friend Jack.... Daniels (get it??)
Valentin- Dude!!!!!!! I did NOT see that one
Will- My heart is literally breaking for you
Chantelle- Be strong girlie and just keep being his rock
Jalena- I'm so mad I could spit
Bogden- I want to keep you safe in my pocket
Tom- You go boy!!!
Happy Holidays to all my 20 Minute peeps
Find me on Bookstagram: https://www.instagram.com/plus.size.b...
I think after the excitement of the past few books the author wanted to bring things down a bit for the Christmas holiday. Which I can understand, it's what a lot of tv series do. I think it gave me time to compress which is much needed since it's 2 am and I NEEDED to find a stopping point so I can sleep.
With the exception of a few most of the chapters in this book were pretty chill. Parents preparing for the big Christmas morning reveal to their kids, hostesses trying to get through their 1000 item checklist before family and friends arrive, and a few lonely ones binging holiday movies or out keeping company with their friend Jack.... Daniels (get it??)
Valentin- Dude!!!!!!! I did NOT see that one
Will- My heart is literally breaking for you
Chantelle- Be strong girlie and just keep being his rock
Jalena- I'm so mad I could spit
Bogden- I want to keep you safe in my pocket
Tom- You go boy!!!
Happy Holidays to all my 20 Minute peeps
Find me on Bookstagram: https://www.instagram.com/plus.size.b...
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews