Madeline Martin, the only survivor of serial killer, Evan Handy, has come a long way since that dark incident as a teen. When Evan came to town, the girls were swept away by his bad boy attitude and good looks, Maddie among them. But when her best friend is murdered, two girls go missing and she is assaulted, Maddie becomes the key in Evan's conviction. Since then, Maddie has tried to put that awful day behind her, until true crime podcaster, Harley walks into her bookstore. And when she discovers more women have gone missing, she is lured back into Evan's orbit- leaving her with more questions and few answers.
I enjoyed learning more about the events leading up to the murder and missing girls. I also enjoyed that this was a novella and not overly filled with useless bits just to achieve a certain page count. However, I figured out the solution very, very early on, as I thought that the author dropped too many large clues. Overall, it was a fun, quick read and I would pick up more by this author in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of Christmas Presents by Lisa Unger in exchange for my honest review and opinion.. I love Lisa Unger and this book was no exception. Don't feel you need to read this at Christmas time due to the title - you will enjoy it no matter what time of year it is! I appreciated the suspense and twists and turns that were scattered throughout the book. Definitely recommend as well as her other books.

This book was really great! My only complaint was I wish it was a little longer. I felt like there could have been a bit more character development, especially in the lead characters. Before I knew it, we were at the big conclusion. But the mystery was really good and kept me guessing. Would definitely recommend!

I just absolutely love Lisa Unger. I discovered her books late, but they are so easy to devour! Christmas Presents is no exception. This is a quick read but definitely won't get you in the holiday spirit. Haha. There is something about a wintery, snowy setting that always captures my attention. Unger sets the perfect atmosphere for this chilly thriller.

Madeline Martin has left her past in the past. A past that includes being left for dead and the only surviving victim of a killer in her idealic hometown. Now she owns a bookstore and is intent on never revisiting the trauma she endured. That is until Harley Granger shows up. Harley has turned away from his life as a novelist and is embracing a true crime podcast phase. With a past of his own, he is intent on dredging up Madeline's past and opening up a small towns' old wounds.

In typical Unger fashion, this fast-paced thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat. While some of it is predictable for thriller enthusiasts, overall, it is a fun ride with an interesting premise that keeps you wanting to read.

If you’re into thrillers with a sprinkle of holiday vibes, "Christmas Presents" by Lisa Unger is exactly what you need this season. Madeline Martin, a bookstore owner with a haunting past, is trying to move on—but when true crime podcaster Harley Granger comes to town, things take a turn. Harley is drawn to the infamous cold case that left Madeline as its sole survivor, and let’s just say his questions stir up a storm—literally and figuratively. With secrets unraveling faster than tinsel off a tree and a blizzard closing in, Madeline’s Christmas is anything but merry and bright.

This isn’t your cozy cup of cocoa kind of Christmas story—it’s dark, twisty, and impossible to put down. The true crime podcast angle gives it a modern edge, and Harley’s perfectly imperfect personality adds depth to the story. Madeline is a fantastic lead—resilient, relatable, and easy to root for. The suspense builds steadily, and just when you think you’ve got it figured out, Unger throws in a twist that keeps you on your toes.

I’m giving "Christmas Presents" 4 out of 5 stars! It’s more a story set at Christmas than a Christmas story, but wow, is it good. If you love a gripping thriller with a side of seasonal sparkle, this one’s for you. And honestly, Madeline and Harley’s dynamic makes it even more compelling. Definitely worth curling up with (preferably under a blanket with all the lights on).

I loved this short novel (but longer than a novella). I am always a sucker for a podcast angle. But I liked the story line and how it bounced between different characters. I thought the story line was great, but there wasn’t a ton of depth with the characters because it was a shorter book. This is the first book I’ve ready by Lisa Unger, but it won’t be my last!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of Christmas Presents by Lisa Unger in exchange for my honest review and opinion. OMG this was absolutely fantastic! Don't feel you need to read this at Christmas time due to the title - this book would be amazing anytime you pick it up! :) I loved all the suspense and twists and turns that were scattered throughout the book. Love anything Lisa Unger writes!

For readers who want a change from the cute, cozy holiday novels, Christmas Presents by Lisa Unger is the perfect gift. A suspenseful and dark novella featuring a famous podcaster, Harley, and Madeline, a bookstore owner and only survivor of a vicious Christmas Eve attack years earlier. Harley comes to town, ostensibly to be closer to his dying further, but also to reopen the case: Madeline was the only survivor but the attack not only killed her best friend but two other young women (close friends of both girls) disappeared-long suspected dead as well. For many in town they want to put the attack in the rearview mirror as the suspected killer has been behind bars. But Harley, while maybe not a great novelist, is a better investigator and feels there's a connection between additional mission women, including a young college student who just disappeared, and Madeline's case. Madeline's father, the town sheriff, never stopped investigating until his debilitating stroke forced him. Madeline doesn't want to believe Harley but soon she and her friend Badger are pulled into the investigation that may be closer to home than they ever expected. Danger and a blizzard ensue in a cat and mouse chase that mystery readers will enjoy.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

While I enjoy the holiday reads each winter season, I find myself missing the suspense of a good mystery. Lisa Unger solves that problem with a Christmas-y mystery that satisfies both interests.

Madeline Martin thinks that her tragic past is in the past, until notorious podcaster Harley Granger comes to town and dredges up long-buried secrets to help uncover the truth. With a little seasonal flare, this mystery takes us through the past and present as the truth of what happened that Christmas Eve night unfolds.

Overall, I enjoyed this. It was the perfect length and pace for a quick and engaging read. At times, the shift between past and present was a bit confusing (I think partly due to the e-book formatting), but not so challenging that it took away from the story. I liked the little holiday nods (Santa, looking at you) to add a little seasonal flare as well.

Thank you to Mysterious Press and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book kept me turning the pages. It's really 3.5 stars. I really liked the pacing of this thriller. I plan on picking up more by Lisa Unger. I actually think I may have enjoyed this more as a full length novel, getting more depth from the characters. On the other hand, I felt the jump between past and present timelines a bit jarring and annoying to keep track of. A possible "me" problem.

I am sad to say this just did not do it for me. I am a huge Lisa unger fan and this was bit of a let down. I didnt really understand what was going on 90% of the time and it was just blah

Lisa Unger’s Christmas Presents masterfully blends the coziness of a holiday setting with the tension of a cold case thriller. The story draws readers in as true crime podcaster Harley Granger’s arrival stirs up long-buried secrets for Madeline Martin, a survivor of a brutal attack. Unger’s ability to weave suspense into a snowbound Christmas backdrop creates an atmospheric and gripping narrative.

Madeline is a compelling protagonist, grappling with trauma and the possibility that the true killer may still be out there. The book’s twists and revelations keep the pages turning, and the ethical questions surrounding Granger’s methods add an intriguing layer of complexity.

While the plot is captivating, some elements—like the supporting characters—could have been explored more deeply to enhance the emotional stakes. Nonetheless, Christmas Presents delivers a satisfying mix of holiday charm and chilling suspense. A must-read for fans of psychological thrillers with a festive twist.

Thank you Penzler Publishers and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

I enjoy Lisa Unger's writing. It's down-to-earth and easy to read while sneaking in disturbing twists that keep the story fresh and appealing. The characters in this book were interesting, the book kept my attention,

"Christmas Presents" is an engaging novel by Lisa Unger that delivers a gripping tale of survival and the search for truth a decade later. The protagonist, Maddie, is a relatable character who runs a bookstore and quickly feels like a friend to readers. Ten years ago, she witnessed her boyfriend murder her best friend, leaving her for dead, but she was rescued by her loyal friend, Badger. Since that fateful night, two other friends have mysteriously disappeared. Now, a well-known true crime writer and podcaster is launching an investigation that could uncover long-buried secrets. This story is riveting, culminating in a conclusion that exceeds expectations. Highly recommended!

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book!

What a fun holiday themed thriller this novella turned out to be! The pacing was excellent and as I got closer to the end, I found myself reading faster and faster. If you're looking for a quick fast-paced Christmas novel, with endearing and memorable characters that'll keep you on the edge of your seat, then look no further than Christmas Presents by Lisa Unger!

I enjoyed this novella type book, but wondered why some miscommunications took place. I liked the story enough to finish it, but not my favorite Unger book.

Thank you NetGalley and Penzler Publishers for the ARC! Christmas Presents was a miss for me - the writing wasn’t there and the character development and heavy background took away from the enjoyment. I’m sure many readers will feel differently!

True crime, podcast listeners, and thriller fans should check this book out. It is a contemporary story that focuses on a small town, a horrific and surprising crime that was never fully resolved, a town with questions, survivors with cloudy memories and a podcaster come to investigate. Madeline is a strong and well developed character who has been through a lot but still stands strong living in the same town she was attacked and caring for her father, the retired sheriff. The story is told from more than one POV and it helps build the idea of the podcast, use of todays technology, and the stakes at play for the characters who lived through the crimes. Along with looking to the past there is a current cast of a missing girl that brings a new element and dilemma to the solved case. There is a dash of romance, but i found it helped build the history and then was a fitting ending for some characters. overall a great read!

I started this one before its release date but had to travel for work and only just picked it up again - turned into a Christmas in July read!
This one had a lot of things that I typically like in thrillers - jumping between past and present timelines, podcast investigator, chief of police’s daughter who rebels and also incorporated a bookstore & bookclub.
This was a shorter read but it also in parts felt like the characters storylines became a bit rushed. We only briefly hear about some of the friendships/relationships in the book. There were also a lot of missing people in the town so i felt more disconnected to some of them than I would’ve liked. Overall, I still really enjoyed this one and thought it was a solid 3.5 ⭐️ read (rounded to 4 for GR).
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher (W.W Norton & Company) for the eARC.

#ChristmasPresents #NetGalley
A good read.
Madeline Martin has built a life for herself as the young owner of a thriving business, The Next Chapter Bookshop, despite her tragic childhood and now needing to care for her infirm father. When Harley Granger, a failed novelist turned true crime podcaster, drifts into her shop in the days before Christmas, he seems intent on digging up events that Madeline would much rather forget. She’s the only surviving victim of Evan Handy, the man who was convicted of murdering her best friend Steph, and is suspected in the disappearance of two sisters, also good friends of Madeline’s, who have been missing for nearly a decade. It’s an investigation that has obsessed her father Sheriff James Martin right up until his stroke took his faculties. Harley Granger has a gift for seeing things that others miss. He wasn’t much of a novelist, but his work as a true crime author and podcaster has earned him fame and wealth—and some serious criticism for his various unethical practices. Still, visiting Little Valley to be closer to his dying father has caused him to look into a case that many people think is closed—and some want reopened. And he has a lot of questions about the night Stephanie Cramer was killed, Ainsley and Sam Wallace disappeared, and Madeline Martin was left for dead, bleeding out on a riverbank. Since Evan Handy went to jail, three other young women have gone missing, most recently a young college dropout named Lolly. Five young women missing in the same area in a decade. Are they connected? Was Evan Handy innocent after all? Or was there some else there that night? Someone who is still satisfying his dark appetites?
Although it could've been better.
Thanks to NetGalley and Penzler Publishers for giving me an advance copy in exchange of an honest review.