Status Updates From Christmas and Other Horrors...

HIS CASTLE by Alma Katsu takes place in a small Welsh village. A couple from London are relaxing in a local pub when they are advised that revelers may be at their door celebrating the ancient Welsh custom of Mari Lwyd or the grey mare. A pre-Christian Celtic pagan custom? It sounds innocent enough. Trevor and Cate are soon slicing fruit cake for tipsy rude Brits. Somebody should be scared. 5 Stars.

THE ONES HE TAKES by Benjamin Percy is a dark tale of a man named Joel who awakens at nearly noon on Christmas Day in a snow covered Minnesota suburb with nothing to celebrate. No decorations assail him as he descends the stairs, looks over at his and Greta's 6 Month Old long-haired dachshund in her crate. Their son Isaac had not been seen since Christmas Eve last year. Joel is about to find out the truth. 4 Stars.