Christmas Presents is not the normal kind of happy festive story I read at Christmas. I enjoy Lisa Unger's books, so jumped into this Christmas thriller/crime mystery. Madeline Martin survived a childhood tragedy and now has a new life, owns a bookstore and cares for her infirm father. Harley Granger is a novelist who is washed up and now has his own true crime podcast. He comes to town to investigate the disappearance of two other girls who disappeared the same night Evan Handy killed her best friend Steph and left her for dead. The sisters were never found, neither were their bodies. With his father dying in Little Valley, this is the perfect case for him to investigate while he is there. Does Madeline have information she doesn't even know she possesses? While this book is set during the Christmas season, the presents aren't happy and festive.

Although this book is called a novella, at 260 pages, it is a short novel. This is a quick story, with twists that had me guessing. With another girl missing, Madeline and her friend Badger are now considering an accomplice to the original crime. Madeline's father was the sheriff at the time of the original crime and she is sure he is trying to tell them something. Time is running out to identify the killer and find the missing woman before it’s too late? With suspense, mystery and a smidgeon of romance, this was a mystery that I enjoyed. I did a read/listen with Jennifer Pickens narrating. She does a nice job with this story and I recommend either format.

Accomplished author Lisa Unger has delivered another fast paced, psychological thriller.

Madeline Martin is the owner of a small bookstore in a rural community outside of New York. She lives with and cares for her infirm father, who was once the town sheriff. Having barely survived a traumatic attack by her then boyfriend, who was convicted of the attack on Madeline and the murder of her two friends. Madeline has put that behind her and built a satisfying life, enjoying her friends and spending her days operating her bookstore. All that is upended when author and true crime podcaster, Harley Granger, seeks her out to relive her past and help with the recent disappearance of three other young women throwing into suspect whether or not Madeline’s boyfriend really was the perpetrator all those years ago.

Told in a timeline that jumps from present to the past, this is a fast paced thriller that will keep the reader guessing.

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced uncorrected proof.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book. I am a fan of this author and have read many (if not all) of her other books. I would have to say this is not my favourite among them. I'd rate this at 3.5 (if we were able to give half stars) because the premise of the story is good. The main character is Madeline and we come to know her as a survivor of a vicious attack from her bad-boy boyfriend Evan several years before. We learn that Madeline was attacked at a party at Evan's house, where she was with her best friends Steph, Ainsley and Sam. The party ended with Steph murdered, Ainsley and Sam missing (presumed dead after still no leads years later) and Madeline barely clinging to life. Fast forward several years and Madeline is a bookstore owner and her sheriff father, who has had a stroke was still investigating the disappearance of Ainsley and Sam after all this time right up until the day he had his stroke. Her other best friend, a man who's nickname since they were kids is "Badger" and his brother Chet are still in her life. She is approached one day by a true-crime podcaster name Harley Granger who wants to cover Madeline's story. Evan is in prison serving a life sentence and Granger wants to reopen the investigation into what happened that night. Another girl goes missing during this time. This part of the story felt a bit disjointed to me. It was a bit confusing when it was going from Madeline's story, to the newly kidnapped girl named Lolly. It felt like that was thrown in to make the reader sense the tension, and realize this person could be the same one that took Ainsley and Sam all those years ago...which would mean Evan couldn't have done it since he was in prison. There wasn't a lot of character development and I found it felt fairly 2-dimensional. The story lacked the twisty plot that I usually find with this author's books. Generally, I felt that it missed the mark with me, compared to her other books.

This was everything that I hoped to find in a shorter book by such a talented writer. There was character development and enough suspense to keep me engrossed in such a fast paced story. The resolution was an unexpected surprise. Definitely going to be recommending this to my friends and family.

A decade ago, Madeline Martin was attacked and her best friend was murdered. On the same night two other local high school girls went missing and have yet to be found. Evan Handy, Maddie’s boyfriend is serving time for the murder of Stephanie and the attack on Maddie, he is also a suspect in the missing girls case, but claims he’s innocent. Every Christmas things focus around the missing girls as their mom hold a candlelight vigil every Christmas Eve. Maddie is marked by the trauma and what little she can remember of that night is not helpful. When an author and true crime podcaster comes to town, Maddie has no desire to talk with him about the case, but when another girl goes missing under similar circumstances, the stakes are suddenly higher. Maddie’s dad, the town sheriff, has always suspected that Evan had someone working with him, and has never given up the search, but when he’s sidelined by a stroke, he becomes agitated. He seems to know something about the case that he is unable to articulate. This is one Lisa Unger book that just didn’t pack its usual punch. Written more as a novella than a full fledged novel took away from the development of the story and characters. The podcast portion didn’t really fit as well as it could have and added little to the overall storyline. In the end it was just OK. This was a dual read/listen for me and at first I was unsure about the narrator, but as I became engrossed in the story she became easier to listen to. Thank you to Mysterious Press, HighBridge Audio and NetGalley for an ARC and ALC of this book.

I LOVED this book. It was Lisa Unger at her very best. Generally speaking novella’s aren’t my jam but I am so very glad for this one.

Girls going missing? A possible serial killer claiming innocence? A small town that CLEARLY has a gazillion secrets? YES, PLEASE.

Unger delivers everything you want and more.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Madeline Martin had a tragic childhood but she hasn't let that keep her from building a good life for herself. She's the proud owner of The Next Chapter Bookshop and loves spending her days there. She has also become responsible for taking care of her father who recently became ill. When Harley Granger comes into her shop hoping she will revisit her past she immediately tells him no, she would love to be able to leave the past where it belongs, in the past. He doesn't let the no stop him though. You see Madeline is the only surviving victim of Evan Hardy. Granger wants to bring up the past and get the real story of what happened all those years ago. Girls have gone missing since Evan was put away so is.this someone else or are they connected with the killings Evans was accused of years ago. Follow along and enjoy the ride was Evan really a killer or was it someone else all along?

This was a fun novella but I almost immediately pegged the perpetrator.

The writing is done really well, highly immersive and provides lush descriptors. It was an effortless read for the most part with minimal character issues.

I enjoyed the story overall but the predictability of it was a let down. I was more reading to get to the end to see if I was right or if there was wrong and there was an awesome twist thrown in. It did leave some questions in my mind so for all these detractors, I give it a 3.5 but rounded up.

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Christmas Presents, Lisa Unger

Murder & Merriment - now this is a Christmas novel done right!

Only Lisa Unger could write a thrilling and unputdownable mystery set at Christmas that is shrouded around death AND include a touch of warmth. Yes!!

While it was set at Christmas, it wasn’t cliché. Murder and mystery elements were clever. The plot was nestled just right into the holiday touches nuanced throughout the book.
And, there were heart quickening moments on both extremes!
Eek & awe!
Well played, Lisa!!

I REALLY enjoyed this book!
I recommend reading whilst curled up in comfy blanket with a cup of cocoa under twinkling lights!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for my advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

I've been a huge fan of Lisa Unger for as long as I can remember, and I was thrilled to get an ARC of her novella Christmas Presents. True crime podcasts are HUGE right now, so I love the idea of incorporating them into a whodunnit. I think it elevates the plot and offers a unique perspective. Overall, great plot, great setting, and perfectly paced. 10/10 recommend!

Thank you to Lisa Unger, Penzler Publishers, and Netgalley for my ARC of Christmas Presents. I was excited to read this book as spooky season was wrapping up to get into a Christmas spirit but I should've read this during spooky season! While the ending of this book didn't surprise me, I truly was engrossed in this book! Podcaster coming to town to investigate? SIGN ME UP! This book was great, but I ended up wanting MORE. It almost left me with feelings that things weren't totally resolved. 3.5, rounded up to 4 stars. This book was great, definitely need to add it to your TBR!

In this intriguing tale, a true crime podcaster takes on the chilling case that once shattered an entire town. Surprisingly, it is during the Christmas season that the wounds of the past are to be reopened, possibly because Evan Handy, the man who was convicted and imprisoned, now wishes to share his version of events. Madeline Martin, the former girlfriend of the incarcerated man and a survivor herself, emerges as a pivotal figure in this narrative. Madeline is a local bookstore owner who is understandably hesitant to provide the podcaster with the information he seeks.

As the story unfolds, it effortlessly shifts between the past and the present, unveiling some astonishing and unsettling truths along the way. Although the premise of the book is captivating and Lisa Unger's work is typically impressive, I couldn't fully immerse myself in the novel due to certain writing shortcomings that created a disjointed narrative. Additionally, I found it challenging to form a strong connection with the characters as the story would have greatly benefited from further depth and character development.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for sending a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

If you are looking for a feel good Christmas book… this is not that kind of book. If you are looking for a twisted tale, then this is the book for you!
Madeline Martin survived a murder while her best friend was killed and two sisters went missing. This is a fast paced thriller that will have you flipping the pages so fast to see what happens.
Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
#ChristmasPresents #LisaUnger #l#Booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookstagram #bookworm #booknerd #booklover #bookstagrammer #bookaholic #bookreview #bookreviewer #IHaveNoShelfControl #fiction #thriller #suspense #mystery #MysteryAndThrillers #GeneralFictionAdult

Reading Between the Wines book review #128/115(met goal in Sept!) for 2023:
Rating: 3 🍷 🍷 🍷
Book: Christmas Presents
Author: Lisa Unger
Available Now!!

Sipping thoughts: Christmas is supposed to be a fun, family oriented, holiday filled with love and spirit. Instead for Madeline, it was filled of tragedy, a near death experience, and lifelong memories of fear and uncertainty. She was almost killed by her boyfriend who did kill her best friend. The same night, two sisters went missing. They were never found. And even though the killer was put behind bars, another girl goes missing so did he have an accomplice or is there a copycat?

Cheers and thank you to @PenzlerPublishers and @Netgalley for an advanced copy of @ChristmasPresents.

#ChristmasPresents #LisaUnger #PenzlerPublishers #advancedreadercopy #ARC #Kindle #Booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookstagram #nicoles_bookcellar #bookworm #bookdragon #booknerd #booklover #bookstagrammer #bookaholic #bookreview #bookreviewer #IHaveNoShelfControl #ReadingBetweenTheWines #fiction #thriller #suspense #mystery #MysteryAndThrillers #GeneralFictionAdult

If you're looking for a feel good holiday read, this is NOT the book for you. But if you love a good psychological thriller set at Christmas time, snatch this one up!

Madeline is late twenties, owns the local bookstore. Almost 10 years ago at Christmas, she walked away a survivor of Evan Handy, a boy she had feelings for turned murderer. Madeline and her friends went to a party at Evan's house. Her best friend, Stephanie, ended up dead, Madeline was hurt, and her friends, Ainsley and Sam, who were sisters, went missing. Evan is serving a life sentence.

Harley Granger, true crime podcaster, shows up in town wanting to talk about Evan. Another girl in town has also gone missing. Did Handy not act alone years ago? Is it a copycat?

This one was engaging and, while I did figure it out prior to the reveal, it didn't keep me from enjoying the remainder of the story.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penzler Publishers for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

A novella by Lisa Unger who is a master at writing suspense. A Christmas Presents isn't about getting Christmas presents all wrapped up in a bow. No, it's a story of heartbreak, betrayal, and pain. Madeline Martin has made a peaceful life for herself after a harrowing childhood. She is at peace and wants to stay that way. When the Podcast crime writer comes to town and wants to rip open all the pain and tragedy of the past again. He even wants Madeline to share her story with him. How can she, two of her friends are still missing and the scars of her past still reflect in the mirror.
I highly recommend this book and thank NetGalley and Penzler Publishers for this eARC, this is my personal opinion. If this is your genre you must read this!

Christmas Presents is a suspenseful read that can be read anytime of year. Lisa Unger is a master storyteller and has the reader guessing how this story will end. There are plenty of twist and turns to navigate throughout the book.

Thank you to @NetGalley and @mysteriouspress for this eARC #gifted - the review contains my own thoughts, of course!
• A psychological Christmas thriller with a bookseller at the center ... yes, please !
It's the last couple of days before Christmas and
Madeline Martin is trying to not think about an attack 10 years ago that left her severely scared and her friend dead while two other friends just vanished. She has returned to her hometown and runs the local bookstore while also taking care of her father who is slowly recovering from a stroke.
True crime podcaster Harley Granger comes to her store to purchase a Christmas present and in the process brings up the events of her past - is the killer and former classmate sitting in jail really the correct perpetrator if so why are young women in the area still going missing ? Madeline does not want to revisit her past or have her gruesome story featured in a podcast.
This book has a creepy Christmas vibe and it truly kept me hooked, flipping the pages. The chapters are short and the plot is fast-paced, seamlessly weaving in some flash backs to 10 years ago with the present timeline.
The story gets all wrapped up neatly at just over 200 pages, making it the perfect seasonal read - it won't keep you to long but it'll be phenomenal

“Youth. It only knows the jump, not the landing. And falling can feel like flying, at first.”

A murder mystery with Christmas presents and a psycho Santa?! Oooh how fun! 🎄🎅🏼

This novella was such an entertaining read! I love a good sappy Hallmark-esque Christmas romance, but this one had that unique thrill of murder and mystery. I was completely sucked into the mystery of the missing girls, the incarcerated felon insisting he’s innocent, and the small town feel of childhood friendships and unrequited love.

“Surrounded by books, the real world with all its violence, injustice, and unhappy endings seems like the imaginary one.” The most perfect sentence to explain why I read so much. 👏🏻

What a thoroughly entertaining and quick read. I can’t wait to read more by this author!

Thank you to Netgalley, Penzler Publishers/Mysterious Press, and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wow! I really enjoyed this holiday themed thriller regarding the attempted murder of one girl, the murder of another and the disappearance of two others! Whew -- that's a lot of crime going on in this story. I was completely pulled into this novella from the start.

When four friends meet the new bad boy in town, really bad things start to happen to their close knit group. Madelaine Martin has scars to prove it, and when a podcaster decides to focus on the "true crime" case, it awakens all sorts of questions.

I just really loved this story and found it to be very clever. Even though you can pretty much figure out the best suspects as the story unfolds, I was still left with the feeling that the puzzle pieces didn't quite fit so smoothly. I felt like there was maybe more to the story, but in a good way. It made me question whether they really solved the case completely. I don't want to say more, but I was left with questions, and I liked that about the story.

The pace of the story is great. Things move along quickly and the characters are interesting and complex. I liked the different points of views presented and how the clues were revealed as the story progressed. It's a quick, entertaining thriller that kept me turning the pages. There's even a bit of romance in there too.

One of my favorites of 2023.