Christmas is a time for giving, togetherness, and sharing the season's joy. While I’m a sucker for the heartwarming holiday stories that flood the season, I’ve found them becoming a bit predictable. Recently, I’ve been searching for something different. This year, I was thrilled to come across You Better Watch Out, a thriller set during the holidays by James S. Murray (of Impractical Jokers fame) and Darren Wearmouth. With its eerie twist, it’s a fresh, unexpected Christmas novel that blends holiday cheer with a dash of horror—just what I was looking for.
Just days before Christmas, Eddie Parker is making the long drive home when he pulls into Old Forge for a quick stop. It’s a classic small town, the kind that time—and everyone else—seems to have forgotten. As he browses the dusty shelves of the general store, his eyes are drawn to an elderly couple shuffling through the aisles. A glimpse of crisp bills in the woman’s purse catches his attention, and despite knowing better, temptation gets the best of him. Old habits die hard, and Eddie could use the extra cash. He follows them out, ready to make his move. But just as he’s about to strike, he realizes he may have underestimated his targets. A sharp sting on his neck is the last thing he feels before the world darkens.
Jessica Kane wakes with blurred vision and a splitting headache. Her fingers brush her forehead, coming back slick with blood. Panic sets in. Where is she? How did she get here? As her vision clears, she recognizes the town of Old Forge, but something is wrong. The once-familiar place is completely abandoned, draped in eerie, vintage Christmas decorations as if frozen in time. But it’s not the past she’s traveled to. Soon, Jessica discovers five other strangers, including Eddie, each with no memory of how they arrived in this strange place. They share the same confusion and dread, but one thing is clear: they must find a way out. Escape, however, won't be easy. Someone is hunting them, methodically orchestrating their deaths, one by one. Each time, they watch helplessly as another life fades before their eyes. They must find a way out of this nightmare before they become the next victim.
You Better Watch Out isn’t your typical holiday read. It unfolds more like a horror thriller than anything else, making for a refreshing take on the genre. Authors Murray and Wearmouth fully embrace the fun of this unique narrative, crafting a gory and thrilling holiday tale that feels like a blend of A Christmas Carol and the Saw movies. The characters aren’t exactly good people. They find themselves in a scenario that forces them to confront their past while seeking redemption for their futures. But first, they’ll have to survive.
I went into the novel blind and was blown away by the adrenaline rush it delivered. There’s a central mystery surrounding the mastermind behind this holiday horror, and the twist caught me completely off guard. While you might need to suspend some logic to fully enjoy the ride, don’t let that deter you. You Better Watch Out is a thrilling, clever novel that is a unique addition to the holiday reading season.
For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.
(2024, 77)
A blend of A Christmas Carol and Saw....hmmmmm. I lean more towards the warm and fuzzy holiday tales, but I am glad this one was a great surprise for you.
ReplyDeleteThis won't be for everyone, but for those who like a dash of horror, it is a real treat!
DeleteThis sounds so good! I like heartwarming Christmas stories, but I also enjoy a good thriller. I'm adding this to my list. Great review!
ReplyDeleteIt was great to have something different in a holiday read.
DeleteYes, I'd like a little some different that the usual cozy holiday romances. This sounds thrilling and fun! I'll check it out.
ReplyDeleteThis was a great, unique change of pace!
DeleteHoliday cheer with a dash of horror! I have to say, this book sounds like a lot of fun. I'll definitely be checking this one out. :D
ReplyDeleteIt was so fun!
DeleteI'm usually not a big holiday book person, but a holiday thriller might just work for me! I had no idea Murray also writes.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize he is quite the accomplished author! I'll definitely be circling back to explore more of his books.
DeleteThrilling and clever. I could look past the logic thing then
ReplyDeleteIt is worth just going with the flow for this one. Very fun!
DeleteHow gory are we talking? This sounds fantastic but I don't really want lots of gore.
ReplyDeleteThis may be a skip for you in that case. It isn't overtly descriptive of the violence that happens, but there are things like severed limbs happening.
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