Madeline Martin has yet to recover from the terrible night a decade ago when her quintet of friends was reduced to two survivors after one friend was brutally murdered, Madeline herself attacked, and two others went missing and are yet to be located.

So when a popular - and possibly unethical - podcaster named Harley Granger shows up in town determined to reopen old wounds, Madeline has no desire to cooperate with him. But then, with the disappearance of another young local woman, events take on a life of their own...

I've wanted to read this ever since the book came out, because Lisa Unger is always entertaining. And this book is no exception. Though I did predict some of the twists (an occupational hazard for a writer who loves reading thrillers), others come out of left field. All in all, highly enjoyable and easy reading!

A true crime podcaster moves to a small town in order to re open a cold case that has haunted the town for years. As truths are revealed could it be that those who seem to be friends are actually something more sinister?

This was a short novel that packed a massive punch. I loved the small town setting as well as the very well written characters who felt very real even though the novel was quite short. I've read a few Lisa Unger novels and never been disappointed and I'll certainly be reading more. 4 stars.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review.

I read this book in a day! I've always enjoyed Lisa Unger and this book didn't disappoint!
The story hooked me from the beginning, I saw a bit of myself in Maddie, a book nerd running a bookshop!
Really enjoyed the characters and the building tension to Maddies dad trying to tell her about what he'd discovered and I didn't see the ending, which I always appreciate!
All in all, a super easy, thoroughly enjoyable read!

Christmas Presents is a pacy little number that I raced through in a matter of hours. It easily pulled me into the story and threw in a couple of nice curveballs along the way. An ideal way to start your seasonal reading!

This author always delivers. In a well written book full of interesting characters and a mystery which focuses surprisingly little on the perpetrator, she has scored another winner. I loved the focus on the survivors and their families, seeing the impact over time of the original crimes. I also,liked how little trauma p*rn there was, with only the lightest level of information about the new crime which also featured. It’s a really interesting book and I thought one of her best.

The Winter Solstice approaches will it be a rebirth or still the deep, deep chill of winter?

Just before Christmas true crime podcaster Harley Granger appears in Madeline Martin’s bookshop in upstate New York. Harley has acquired quite the reputation for his investigations that have led to convictions being overturned. Why is he in Little Valley? That will be to do with the case of convicted killer Evan Handy who, on the 23rd of December 2014 murdered Madeline‘s friend, seriously injured Madeline herself and is deemed responsible for the disappearance of two of her friends, sisters Sam and Ainsley Wallace. Is Evan guilty? The small town certainly thinks so. This has understandably haunted Madeline but will she now confront her past and work with Harley in his investigations? For instance, did Evan work alone? Recent events suggest not. How far will Harley go to get his story? Will working with him be a huge mistake?

First of all, although this is set around Christmas and there are numerous references to it including presents and the present day, this chillingly, gritty novella can be read at any time of the year. I love Lisa Unger’s books, I really like the way she writes as she has the knack of immersing me in her story telling immediately. This is an atmospheric read with a plot line that matches the snowy, icy winter weather.

The characterisation is excellent, especially as I feel as if I’m inside Madeline‘s head so you can empathise with how this has haunted her and her pain is palpable. Although she’s anchored to. Little Valley and indeed has made a life for herself, it’s apparent this life is built on quicksand. There’s a stark contrast between how Evan makes her feel ten years ago and the shame associated with that and how she feels in the present day. The other characters are done well too, especially Madeline’s good friend. Badger/Steve.

The storyline is a dark one and it brims with tension which builds well when all the plot strands start to come together. I have a suspicion I know the answer to the million dollar question and yes, I guess correctly which matters not a jot as I enjoy the book throughout.

Add this to your Christmas present list, you won’t regret it!

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Head of Zeus for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

Cuando el verdadero podcaster del crimen Harley Granger entra en la librería de Madeline Martin días antes de Navidad, parece decidido a desenterrar un pasado que Madeline preferiría olvidar. El trabajo de Granger le ha ganado fama y riqueza, y algunas críticas serias por sus diversas prácticas poco éticas. Granger también tiene muchas preguntas sobre la noche en que Madeline fue dejada por muerta, la única víctima superviviente del asesino Evan Handy.


Madeline sobrevivió a un atentado de asesinato, pero esa misma noche una de sus amigas fue asesinada por Evan, el mismo que la lastimó y por si fuera poco otras dos desaparecieron y nunca supieron si fueron vcitimas del mismo tipo o si había otro asesino o que fue lo que les pasó.

Una década después desaparece un chica y eso llama la atención de Harley un podcaster que se dedica a resolver crímenes. Hace conexión de este caso con el de Mad.


¿Cómo es posible que Evan esté relacionado si está en la cárcel o será que hay más de un asesino?



Gracias a NetGalley, al publicista y al autor por el ARC a cambio de una reseña.