Krampus' Tree Farm

by Shawn Winchell

Every good Christmas story needs a few
A small town full of holiday spirit.
Someone who would rather be anywhere else.
And . . . missing kids?

Nik Stein lives in a town called Santa's Village, but he doesn't like Christmas. He is getting ready to move away when he meets someone who puts all of his plans on hold.

They open a bakery together and things are going well. Until the day she buys a Christmas tree farm.

Bad things start to happen in Santa's Village, children start to disappear, and Nik has nowhere to run.

This isn't your children's Christmas story.

Genres: Horror

132 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 29, 2022

Reviews

[Peter Topside · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really fantastic concept that stylized traditional Krampus lore. Nik is just a beat up person who has lost his motivation and holiday spirit. Then Helen came into his life and turned everything upside down. Now on Helen, there were a few areas where it wasn't clear why she did certain things, so I wanted a bit more clarification on her character. El also had some spots where I read some of her dialogue and felt like there was much more to her than she was letting on, but that also wasn't totally clear. But beyond some of those minor critiques, we follow Nik as he picks up his life once again and tries to struggle through his financial difficulties, finding himself having strange visions and being at the center of a police investigation. Is something happening to him? Or does he have some link to the mythological beast called Krampus? Will he be able to find his Christmas spirit again? What does his tree farm have to do with any of it? You spend a strong majority of the book wondering just how things will wrap up, and they do quite nicely by the end. The author does a great job keeping the reader on the hook, maintaining a good pace and use of the festive themes. Again, there were a few spots where some additional details were needed, but this was a wonderful use of horror and holiday-themed antics, all led by a solid cast of characters in the midst of a unique plot.

[Julie Hiner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fresh, modern take on the beloved tale of Krampus.

Krampus' Tree Farm is an absolute delight for the horror addict who loves the festive season!

A fresh take on the beloved old tale of Krampus, this modern version is a gripping page turner that is sure to send chills down your spine.

Immediately, the reader is pulled into the tragic world of poor Nik, living in a cheesy Cristmas themed town. The relationship is built, and the reader feels full empathy for him as he spirals.

Little breadcrumbs are left along the way as the story progresses. Just as it clicks into place, the twists and turns delve into terrifying realms.

The imagery is vivid. The descriptions are visceral.

A delightful must read for the festive horror lover!

[Read Letter Day · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 rounded up to 3 in the Christmas spirit

This short felt a bit unresolved to me, the style was mostly telling and I couldn't decide if it wanted to be horror or... comedy horror of some sort. It wasn't funny, but it definitely didn't hit any horror notes either.

The set-up felt ludicrous with his wife buying the tree farm and then dying, leaving him locked in after spending his retirement on him. I'm not sure I buy that there was nothing he could do legally, or why she was such a b*tch about it all. What a horrible thing to do to someone you supposedly loved.

Also... the mystery of her death is left open, I wish that would have been answered more thoroughly, as it could have been a big moment psychologically for him. I thin overall, it could have been an effective psychological horror alongside the monster/holiday theme, but he's all too blase about the whole thing, which... was just weird.

Overall, this should have either been longer or much shorter.

[this_creeping_horror · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was all right! Not the best book I’ve ever read but certainly not the worst either. A LOT of weird plot holes in this one to put things into place.

I mostly enjoyed the POV of the narrator as things get progressively weirder. A typical Scrooge living in the most Christmasy place on earth meets a woman who sets him on a path to his holiday destiny. Horror ensues.

Except it kind of doesn’t? There’s no horror really. There are troubling things happening around our main character for sure, but there’s no gore, no tension, nothing to get your pulse pumping at all really. It’s no secret that Krampus is going to be involved somehow… it’s in the title.

This one kind of runs on rails, and you can see one station from the other so you know where it’s going pretty much all along. Like I said, not the best… but I did enjoy the narrator and his take on things, and the dark holiday lore was fun. So not the worst either.

[Jo Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Krampus is my spirit animal so of course I'm going to read a book about him. Fun and short read about an aging man, in poor health, living in a small town called Santa's Village. His name is Nikolaus and he hates Christmas. Until he meets high spirited Helen, who loves Christmas and has come to visit the town. They marry. She is an astute business woman and opens a bakery and buys a Christmas tree farm. Nik will work the farm.
Then one night Helen goes out with a friend and doesn't come home.
Why?
And is there someone kidnapping bad children?
Very creepy and nerve wracking. Great for anyone who isn't the biggest fan of the season.
Read the book.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting Christmas horror story that involves the anti-Santa, Krampus. Nikolaus lives in Santa Village, but hates Christmas, and wants to retire and head south. Before he can do that, he falls in love with Christmas-loving Helen, who convinces him to stay, marry her, and open a bakery. They are successful for a few years until an awful death occurs that cannot be explained, but changes everything. The story is creepy and at times gory, perfect for a Christmas horror story. I liked it a lot!

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolute must-read for anyone craving a holiday story with a dark twist! KRAMPUS’ TREE FARM is a riveting rollercoaster of suspense and intrigue, expertly crafted to keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page. Don't expect your typical feel-good Christmas tale—this novel delivers a thrilling ride unlike any other. Bravo to the author for crafting such a captivating story that earns a well-deserved five stars!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hate how Nik's wife Helen buys a tree farm before she dies and leaves it to her husband, and how he is legally stuck with it. That was so suspicious and extremely shitty of her. Also I would have appreciated a bit more information as to how Helen ended up with her injuries before she dies. The scenes where Krampus makes more of an appearance were my favorites. How he fits into this book is an interesting choice from the author.

[Pattie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Krampusnacht.

Cute premise, easy read. Being a krampus fan this intrigued me. Fast, hard to put down. I kept envisioning a short film while reading it.
Author should contact the krampus community in Asbury Park nj. Theyd likely adore this follow up.

[Desireè Wingate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me at Krampus! It was a fun spin on the character I love so much & had a really interesting storyline. I love how everything wrapped up and I will be adding this to my regular holiday season read list!

[Danielle ☺️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little spin on the Krampus folklore! Super quick and easy read!

[Sue :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a little horror at Christmas.

This book is more of the traditional Krampus story than many are. While it is a fable it is one of the more interesting ones.

[Hunter · Rating 3 out of 5]

6/10.