I usually read light or romance Christmas novels - usually ones that are hallmark style or HEA. So reading a Christmas thriller was very different and I enjoyed it!

This captivating novel, skillfully penned by a talented author, is propelled forward by the intricate web of family dynamics. It's a riveting tale of murder and mayhem, and I must emphasize that attempting to predict the ending is an exercise in futility. The title itself is intriguing, adding another layer of mystery to the narrative. Brace yourselves for a genuine page-turner!

I absolutely loved this book. The characters are brilliantly crafted, each with their own complexities and secrets, making them utterly compelling. The protagonist's journey is one filled with uncertainty and a lingering sense of distrust, particularly with her husband absent from the picture.

As I turned the pages, I found myself engrossed in the story, unable to tear myself away. The suspense and plot twists kept me on the edge of my seat, and I relished every moment.

I'll be eagerly looking out for more works by this author in the future. This novel was a thrilling ride from start to finish, and I highly recommend it to fellow readers. Many thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to delve into this gripping story!

If you are tired of the happy, light-hearted fun so common in the Christmas season, this just may be your book.

A family spends too much time in too close quarters with plenty of alcohol and stress between them leads to the possibility of murder.

A psychological thriller looking at the very dark side to the holiday.

"Last Christmas" by Maria Frankland is a page-turning psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. Frankland masterfully weaves a complex web of suspense, mystery, and chilling twists, leaving you guessing until the last page.

The characters in this novel are brilliantly crafted, each with secrets and hidden agendas. Frankland's ability to create such well-developed and intriguing characters is genuinely commendable. As the story unfolds, the reader is drawn deeper into their lives, relationships, and darkest secrets.

The plot is gripping and filled with unexpected turns. Just when you think you have it all figured out, Frankland throws another curveball that will leave you guessing and questioning everything you thought you knew.

Simply put, wow, Frankland's book was fantastic, in my opinion. It is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and domestic thrillers. Prepare to be enthralled, captivated, and thoroughly entertained by this gripping tale of secrets, lies, and the darkness that lurks beneath the surface. Highly recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for allowing me to read and review this book.

Synopsis (From Netgalley, the provider of the book to review)
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The doorbell cuts through the sound of the howling wind outside. Snowflakes from the freezing December air whirl into the house as I open the front door to the police. The look on their faces says everything. My husband is dead. Did one of my family kill him?

Only a few hours ago we were all celebrating by the fire, Christmas lights twinkling on the tree. Now my husband is gone forever. I’ll never get the chance to say I’m sorry our last words were so angry. And as I sob into my mother’s arms I have to face the terrible truth. We’re not the loving family we seem.

My younger sister has always been difficult. Why won’t she look me in the eye?

My brothers-in-law never liked my husband. Would they have taken it that far?

And my older sister’s drinking is out of control. But can she really not remember anything from last night?
As devastating accusations are thrown my world falls apart in front of my eyes. Because everyone in my family – everyone I trusted – has been hiding secrets. Are we also hiding a killer? And how far will I have to go, to discover the truth about what happened to my husband?

Oh, the joy of family holidays --- you know those things that I avoid at all costs and I am sure that some of you want to avoid as well! The fights, the drinking … the murder??? This is a lovely twisty tale that will keep you enthralled for hours – a new author to me, I will welcome reading more books from her as this one was utterly enjoyable.

#shortbutsweetreviews

Within moments i realised i had read this book before but yay i loved it so off i went again.
A terrific domestic drama which will keep the reader on the edge of there seat flying to the end.
My thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read it again..
Simply wonderful!

I always enjoy reading a Maria Frankland book and remember reading this book a few years back in fact this book got me into reading all of Maria’s books. Remembering those dysfunctional family members I still enjoyed it a second time around. Recommend this author and this book to all!

Family dynamics keep this novel, by a talented author, moving quickly. Murder and mayhem. Do not try to easily guess the ending. Not happening. Even the title is intriguing. This is a page turner. Enjoy. I liked this book. I wondered if the protagonist had anyone she could trust. Her husband gone. Thanks to Netgalley.

This tense psychological thriller will have readers guessing until the very end. When Neil and his wife Sacha are forced to spend the holidays with her family, tensions quickly rise.

This was a lot of fun! Great writing, great twists.