Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.56 AVERAGE
3.56 AVERAGE
Peter Swanson's books can be hit or miss for me. When I love one I love it, but a few I have not enjoyed at all. This novella might be my favorite thing I've read by him. I LOVED it. It was the perfect length for the plot, and the writing was superb. Even though I read it during the heat of summer, I felt like I was in December. It was clever, original, creepily festive, well-paced, and had authentically written characters. I also love that he didn't try to deliver twists for the sake of being shocking. I highly recommend this one.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my complimentary digital copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my complimentary digital copy. All opinions are my own.
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Death, Sexual assault, Suicide, Blood, Death of parent, Murder, Alcohol
3.5⭐️ I will say that I was shocked by the twist 50% in. The second half a a couple of surprises, but was pretty average overall.
This provides a decent amount of Christmas atmosphere considering it is so short. I still would’ve liked more though.
The mystery is solid, though not incredibly original. The writing in the first half featuring the diary was pretty rough, but it was a diary, so I get it.
For a quick and spooky holiday read, I definitely think it’s worth your time!
This provides a decent amount of Christmas atmosphere considering it is so short. I still would’ve liked more though.
The mystery is solid, though not incredibly original. The writing in the first half featuring the diary was pretty rough, but it was a diary, so I get it.
For a quick and spooky holiday read, I definitely think it’s worth your time!
dark
mysterious
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Loved it and my theory was right!
Audibly said “What?!” twice. Very thrilling and enjoyable.
dark
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A creepy whodunnit just right for reading on your couch, with a cozy blanket, on a winter's day. It's a novella so it moves quickly, there's not a ton to chew on for that reason, but it's just the right size for what it is.
While Christmas is far from my favorite holiday, I must admit there's something so idyllic about cozying up on the couch in front of a fire with a who-done-it, cozy, Christmas, mystery novella ❤️
I really enjoyed, this short and sweet novella. It was super unique, and with this being my first taste of Peter Swanson writing, I'm definitely looking forward to exploring more of his work.
Also, the cover is absolutely to die for
I really enjoyed, this short and sweet novella. It was super unique, and with this being my first taste of Peter Swanson writing, I'm definitely looking forward to exploring more of his work.
Also, the cover is absolutely to die for