As the holiday season unfolds, Madeline Martin is haunted by the tragedy that struck her community over a decade ago. She remains the sole survivor of the brutal killing spree perpetrated by Evan Handy, a man responsible for the murder of her best friend and suspected in the disappearance of her other two close friends. This horrifying crime cast a dark shadow over the small town of Little Valley during what should have been a time of celebration. Her father, who was the town's sheriff at the time, tirelessly worked to find the missing girls, but his efforts proved futile. In the present, Madeline has mostly concealed the physical and emotional scars of that traumatic period. She now owns a successful bookstore and spends her days managing her business while caring for her ailing father. Instead of the warmth and light of the holiday season, she grapples with a shadow of grief.
Harley Granger, renowned for his remarkable ability to uncover details others miss, has carved out a niche as a successful true crime author and podcaster. He arrives in Little Valley and begins reexamining the seemingly closed case involving Evan Handy. His initial interaction with Madeline sours when she realizes his intention to delve into her past. Madeline has already struggled to move beyond those painful memories, and the last thing she needs is an author unearthing her history. Still, Harley's probing questions hold a glimmer of potential. Evan Handy's pattern has been disturbingly replicated, even after his incarceration, with five young women disappearing in the same region over a decade. This raises uncertainties about Evan Handy's guilt, the potential presence of another culprit on that fateful night, and the sinister motives that may still be at play.
Marketed as a holiday novella, Christmas Presents may be shorter than your typical novel, but I found Lisa Unger's narrative to be a well-rounded mystery that offers due attention to both its plotline and the characters who navigate it. This marked my first encounter with Unger's storytelling, and I was captivated by her writing. She skillfully balances setting the atmosphere, building suspense, and crafting emotionally rich characters. The book presents a captivating interplay between the quaint, small-town holiday backdrop and the somber events that have transpired there. Unger weaves in contemplations on grief, guilt, and justice, infusing the story with a depth that enhances the mystery elements. Despite its relatively extended length for a novella, spanning 260 pages, I devoured it in a single sitting. Christmas Presents embodies everything I seek in my holiday reading and undoubtedly deserves a spot on your own holiday reading list.
For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.
(2023, 89)
I usually don't read a lot of this genre but if it's in a movie, I love it. But this does sound like it would be a good read.
ReplyDeleteI think it would make a great movie too!
DeleteI don't think I've ever read anything by this author, though I've been aware of her books for years now. This novella sounds really good! I like that small town setting, and that she owns a bookstore, and the mystery itself sounds very compelling.
ReplyDeleteIt was the perfect introduction to her writing! I'll be back for more
DeleteI just read Karen's review for this book. You both seemed to enjoy it. Sounds like a somber holiday story, but a well executed mystery
ReplyDeleteIt was a good mix of mystery with a holiday bend
DeleteThis was my first experience with Unger as well and I really enjoyed it! Definitely a one-sitting kind of read! I'm already checking out her backlist. Thrilled you enjoyed it as well, Ethan!
ReplyDeleteI'm eager to read more from her!
DeleteIf I need to read a holiday book, this is the kind that I gravitate toward. I didn't have this novella on my radar before--thanks for bringing it to my attention!
ReplyDeleteSame here! I prefer this kind of story!
DeleteI am going to revisit this author, and will grab this.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy!
DeleteNothing like murder for the holidays lol I might check this one out though because it checks a few boxes - holiday season and novella.
ReplyDeleteIt is my favorite of the holiday reads I've encountered this year!
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