Lisa Unger is no stranger to holiday-themed thrillers. Her 2023 release, Christmas Presents, successfully blended a compelling mystery with the backdrop of a small town at Christmastime, delivering a short read that still packed an emotional punch. So when I saw that Unger had a new holiday-themed release—this time a free short story from Amazon—I jumped at the chance to read it.
Even with Christmas fast approaching, Paige still has work to do. Only her job isn’t one you’d typically imagine. She’s an assassin, paid by a shadowy organization to swiftly and quietly “get the job done.” When Paige slips into the home of her latest wealthy target, she expects nothing out of the ordinary. The house is decorated for the holidays, of course, but that doesn’t slow her down. What stops her cold is the realization that her target isn’t alone. His young daughter is there too. Risking the wrath of her employers, Paige retreats. There are some lines she simply won’t cross.
Now her employers aren’t pleased, and these aren’t the kind of people you double-cross. No one gets out of that kind of situation alive. So Paige returns on Christmas Eve, determined to finish the job. But her plans are thwarted once again when she discovers the daughter is still there…along with someone else. Someone from her past she never expected to see. Forced to confront old traumas while the walls close in, Paige must outmaneuver her own organization if she hopes to survive the night and make it to Christmas morning alive.
At just over 70 pages, The Kill Clause still manages to pack quite a punch. Lisa Unger writes with an urgency that’s hard to resist. I found myself flying through the pages, finishing it in a single sitting. Sure, with such a short story, there isn’t much room for deep character development, and the twists aren’t as plentiful as in some of Unger’s longer works. But as a quick, punchy holiday thriller, The Kill Clause delivers exactly what it promises and is an absolute blast to read.
For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.
(2025, 101)
An assassin Christmas story. There really is something for everyone out there. I am always impressed by how much story some authors are able to deliver in so few pages.
ReplyDeleteRight? I love that so much variety exists
DeleteShe's been on my list of authors to read for quite awhile. This sounds like a suspenseful Christmas story. Have you read many of her novels?
ReplyDeleteI read and enjoyed Christmas Presents, and Hold Your Breath and Count to 10.
DeleteI agree, this was a fun, quick listen! I've been craving holiday thrillers more than the holiday romances that are all over the place right now.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy that the balance exists. I can read my thrillers and a few romances too!
DeleteKillers and Christmas LOL. Don't they go on holiday? 😉
ReplyDeleteThat's the problem I tend to have with short stories and novellas - they're almost never enough for me. But I guess this one did its job nicely!
This one would have benefited from being fleshed out a bit more, but it is still a fun read.
DeleteAn assassin with a heart.
ReplyDeletePerfect tag line!
DeleteA holiday themed thriller, sure why not :)
ReplyDeleteThey're fun!
DeleteThis sounds like a fun holiday read! It's amazing what can be accomplished in so few pages. I'm glad you enjoyed it, Ethan!
ReplyDeleteIt is. Thanks!
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