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kimmis_bookshelf's review
4.0
Loved this fast paced read. Just the right amount of thrill and the story tied up well and was written well.
sanderson0516's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
natebragg's review against another edition
3.0
A Christmas-ajacent thriller that's a solid read if you're looking to finish off a reading challenge or just cozy up by a fire. It's somewhat predictable. and teases a couple of undeveloped threads but still a worthwhile read if you're a fan of the genre.
3.5/5
3.5/5
heymagnolia's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I know this was written as a novella, but I wish it was a bit longer. I’d love to have more insight on their lives to fully flesh this story out from 10 years ago to now. The last 15 ish pages felt very rushed in order to draw the story to a close. Overall, I enjoyed reading it - despite some of it being predictable.
mckaylacpaez1's review
5.0
Thank you Penzler Publishers, Mysterious Press and NetGalley for my ARC of “Christmas Presents.” This novella kept me on my toes the entire time I was reading. My heart was pounding, I was sweating and I had to keep the lights on. The fear was palpable as bookshop owner, Madeline Martin searched for answers from her childhood trauma (her ex boyfriend was a murderer). Along with the help from her best friend and a shifty podcaster. I loved all the characters and I was rooting for them the whole time. Truly excellent. 5/5 stars ⭐️ Lisa Unger is on my nice list.
nikki_booknook's review
4.0
Podcasts and true crime are both extremely popular in the zeitgeist of our era, and Lisa Unger has combined the two with her new novella, “Christmas Presents.” Centered on a young woman in a small town who survived a brutal crime that claimed the life of her best friend, and led to the disappearance of two others, Unger’s latest story weaves together Madeline’s desire to move forward with her life with the questions being asked by famed podcaster Harley Granger about whether the truth of that night has actually been revealed.
Set during the holiday season, “Christmas Presents” exudes the charm of life outside the hustle and bustle of a large city, while also exploring what can happen when outsiders upset the sometimes delicate balance of small town life. The tale is told in both the present day and flashbacks at the time when Madeline’s life started going sideways after meeting the new guy in town. Is he truly guilty of the crimes he has been convicted of? Is it possible he managed to kill one girl, come close to killing another, and abduct two more teenagers who have never been found on his own? Has Madeline’s desire to move on clouded her judgment and memories of the night everything went wrong? The supporting characters are interesting, but I thought they could have been more fully developed to ensure readers care about what happens to them as things unfolded.
The story is fast-paced, and reaches a satisfying conclusion. I do think that the aforementioned character development, as well as a deeper dive into the motivations of Harley Granger, Madeline and Badger’s past, and more about the initial investigation undertaken by Sheriff Martin would have helped to round out the story, and move it from a novella to a full-length novel.
Set during the holiday season, “Christmas Presents” exudes the charm of life outside the hustle and bustle of a large city, while also exploring what can happen when outsiders upset the sometimes delicate balance of small town life. The tale is told in both the present day and flashbacks at the time when Madeline’s life started going sideways after meeting the new guy in town. Is he truly guilty of the crimes he has been convicted of? Is it possible he managed to kill one girl, come close to killing another, and abduct two more teenagers who have never been found on his own? Has Madeline’s desire to move on clouded her judgment and memories of the night everything went wrong? The supporting characters are interesting, but I thought they could have been more fully developed to ensure readers care about what happens to them as things unfolded.
The story is fast-paced, and reaches a satisfying conclusion. I do think that the aforementioned character development, as well as a deeper dive into the motivations of Harley Granger, Madeline and Badger’s past, and more about the initial investigation undertaken by Sheriff Martin would have helped to round out the story, and move it from a novella to a full-length novel.