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A Christmas Number One
'A Christmas Number One' is a short Christmas horror story, as heard on BBC Radio Wiltshire.
The Artist was a chart-topping musician in the 80s. Forty years on, and he's a forgotten man. But not this Christmas. No, this year, he will get to number one in the charts. The immortal Christmas number one spot. No matter what it takes. And it just so happens to take him to an isolated cottage, where he can be alone and focus, and forget about his haunted past. But are we ever really alone when our darkest thoughts take over? And why does the cottage give him an odd feeling? Find out in this spooky Christmas short story.
The Artist was a chart-topping musician in the 80s. Forty years on, and he's a forgotten man. But not this Christmas. No, this year, he will get to number one in the charts. The immortal Christmas number one spot. No matter what it takes. And it just so happens to take him to an isolated cottage, where he can be alone and focus, and forget about his haunted past. But are we ever really alone when our darkest thoughts take over? And why does the cottage give him an odd feeling? Find out in this spooky Christmas short story.
50 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 13, 2022
1 person is currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
Lex Young
5 books11 followersLex Young is a horror writer hailing from Wiltshire, UK, who also likes to merge into the genre of crime and sci-fi.
Lex's first publication, A Christmas Number One, hit #1 in two separate Kindle store charts during its first month of release, and was also featured on BBC Radio in 2022.
His follow up story, V: Garcia, is currently averaging a review score of 4.9/5* on the Kindle store.
Most recently, his short story collection, Silent Fright, became a bestseller on the Kindle store.
To keep up to date with Lex's latest work, follow him on:
- Instagram @lexyoungauthor
- Facebook
Lex's first publication, A Christmas Number One, hit #1 in two separate Kindle store charts during its first month of release, and was also featured on BBC Radio in 2022.
His follow up story, V: Garcia, is currently averaging a review score of 4.9/5* on the Kindle store.
Most recently, his short story collection, Silent Fright, became a bestseller on the Kindle store.
To keep up to date with Lex's latest work, follow him on:
- Instagram @lexyoungauthor
*as of Dec 2023
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 27, 2024
A Christmas Number One is a compelling short story and a well created mix of horror and emotional depth. It surprised me in a great way to go through so much emotions in a 50 pages book. It was tragic and impactful, but at the same time beautiful and it left me with a bittersweet feeling. This amazing tale makes me want to read more of this authors work.
A once famous but now lonely musician wants to compose a Christmas hit. Trying to find peace and inspiration he rents an isolated cottage. Here he finds his own haunted memories of a former life with his loved ones.
December 11, 2024
"The Artist" was a hit back in the 80s, but was the 80s really his best time? He decides to rent a quiet countryside cottage to write a Christmas number one. To immortlize himself and his words forevermore, just like all those other famous musicians and their famous Christmas songs. What really greets The Artist when he arrives at the cottage though is a trip down memory lane.
At 50 pages, this book is short but really packs it all in. I felt like I knew the characters in what turned out to be just a quick one sitting read. I do appreciate grief horror, and while this book has its elements of spookines, it was also sad, but somewhat heartwarming, thoughtful and reflective too.
I recommend this one! A great little story to read this Christmas!
At 50 pages, this book is short but really packs it all in. I felt like I knew the characters in what turned out to be just a quick one sitting read. I do appreciate grief horror, and while this book has its elements of spookines, it was also sad, but somewhat heartwarming, thoughtful and reflective too.
I recommend this one! A great little story to read this Christmas!
December 19, 2024
⋆｡°✩ Spoiler Free Reviews ⋆｡°✩
4.5 stars. Oh wow. I mean.. wow. I have no words.
This one has triggers, very much graphic on scene, but as its a novella it’s not pages on pages of detail!
I thought I knew the setup for this book, and I did in a way.. but the ending?? The way that panned out?? I am SHOCKED AND BEWILDERED??? Absolutely brilliant, a fun journey to go on all things considered.
4.5 stars. Oh wow. I mean.. wow. I have no words.
This one has triggers, very much graphic on scene, but as its a novella it’s not pages on pages of detail!
I thought I knew the setup for this book, and I did in a way.. but the ending?? The way that panned out?? I am SHOCKED AND BEWILDERED??? Absolutely brilliant, a fun journey to go on all things considered.
December 6, 2024
For a 50 page read, this gets down to business quickly and keeps you engaged throughout. I read this in one sitting and its to no surprise with its elegant prose and commitment to detail. Loved the musical aesthetics as well as the haunting themes. Cheers Alex! Hope you have a better Xmas than The Artist
November 17, 2024
This is a really well done seasonal horror story. There’s such a range of emotion. It has its creepy and suspenseful moments, of course, but it’s also tragic- and surprisingly heartwarming? At 50 pages, this is a quick, but very satisfying, read.
December 22, 2024
This was really good! It didn’t go in the direction I expected it to at all. It was quite sad and the ending did surprise me! I came in expecting something quire violent but I think I liked the way this panned out much more. This is my first book by Lex and it won’t be my last!
December 28, 2024
Not a bad novella. Not sure I would describe it as “horror”. Could have used one more run through with a fresh set of eyes for a few grammar and spelling errors.
November 7, 2024
Beautiful grief horror story
I went into this mostly blind, I picked it randomly from a list from an upcoming short story brawl. From the characters to the plot, everything was well done, very well rounded and concise.
I went into this mostly blind, I picked it randomly from a list from an upcoming short story brawl. From the characters to the plot, everything was well done, very well rounded and concise.
December 31, 2023
A Christmas Number One By Lex Young
Just like this authors other reads I couldn’t stop! Read the whole thing in one sitting.
Entertainingly spooky, fun, intriguing and clever A Christmas Number One was a pleasure to read. And I recommend, if you like being entertained, this book!
Just like this authors other reads I couldn’t stop! Read the whole thing in one sitting.
Entertainingly spooky, fun, intriguing and clever A Christmas Number One was a pleasure to read. And I recommend, if you like being entertained, this book!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews