Christmas Horror Book Reviews

Now that we are finally back from our long Christmas vacation roadtrip, I can get all caught up on some reviews! Figured I might as well combine all the fun holiday horror books I read so that they’re all in one place.

These were a combo of bookstore finds and shared books from my favorite, Chandra (wherethereadergrows on Instagram)

Let’s just dive in!

SCARY BOOK OF CHRISTMAS LORE: 50 TERRIFYING YULETIDE TALES FROM AROUND THE WORLD – Tim Rayborn (Released November 14th, 2023)

You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen…but do you recall the most petrifying Christmas figures of all?

Not all children fear just a lump of coal in their stockings. Discover the terrifying Yuletide fables that have horrified kids for generations. He sees you when you’re sleeping, he knows when you’re awake. He knows if you’ve been bad or good, so be good for goodness’ sake. This lighthearted song is a bit more ominous in the context of other Christmas traditions.

From beasts that threaten to cook children into stew to sinister crones who snatch little ones from their beds, you won’t find any dancing sugar plums here. Outside of the heartwarming Christmas tales we all know and love, there are an abundance of frightening stories to chill all who hear them to the bone. Discover folklore from all corners of the world, These tales are sure to leave you wishing for the Grinch.

Whether you are a fan of history and folklore, you love learning about different cultures, or you just want to give a holiday gift that will bring the joy of Christmas to that lucky someone (just kidding), The Scary Book of Christmas Lore is for you. ’Tis the season! Is it beginning look a lot like Christmas, yet?

My Thoughts: 3.5/5 stars

Scary Book of Christmas Lore was a cover and title, buy at Barnes and Noble one day, and it was exactly what I was hoping it would be. If you’re looking for scary little tales, then you may be disappointed. This book lays out all of the creepy Christmas folklore from cultures all around the world. If you also thought that Krampus was the only demon of Christmas, then you’re severely missing out. This is more of a good list to reference for all of the individual folklore and their origins. I personally loved the one where it’s suggested it began online – as someone that is fascinated with Slenderman and its inception, this was a fun one to read about! Also had some beautiful artwork to accompany the different tales

CHRISTMAS EVE CARNAGE – John Lynch (Released December 22nd, 2023)

Life has been difficult for the Feltcher family since the loss of loving wife and mother, Courtney Feltcher.

Her husband, Jack Feltcher, buries his grief in his job, working long hours and neglecting his children

The Feltcher children struggle with the loss of their mother, and a father who is too busy with work to be present.

Chad Reynolds, an ex-con with a bone to pick plots his revenge, while a malevolent Christmas elf rises.

A nor’easter slams the town as Chad and Sprinkles are on the loose.

There will be no silent night, only…

My Thoughts: 4/5 stars

A new Christmas classic for horror fans and all the bloody gore we want. 

Sprinkles is the new Leprechaun, and I’d love to see him in a slasher. All the gore you could possibly want and all during the most wonderful time of the year. A man out for revenge, a family struggling with loss, and a maniacal and murderous elf converge, and you’re in for a wild Christmas Eve ride. 

Under 200 pages, this is the perfect bite-sized treat before you decide to put out that elf on a shelf 

HAIL SANTA! – John McNee (Released November 24th, 2023)

With a failing economy and dwindling population, the once-flourishing mining community of St. Nicholas in northern Canada was on the road to ruin.

That was until the arrival of the Bingzhen Group, a Chinese-American conglomerate with ambitious plans to buy the town and transform it into the most popular ski resort and holiday destination in North America.

With the deal done and Christmas approaching, the community is buzzing with excitement about the future and the influx of new residents, like Binzhen envoy Ling Wong, Scottish schoolteacher Shona Fleming, new school custodian Curtis Tate and a small army of contractors. What none of them realize is that St. Nicholas was never the people’s to give away.

There is something else here which has long laid claim to the land. Something which has held the town in its thrall and does not intend to give it up without a fight. Something strange and inhuman. Something cruel and powerful and very, very, hungry.

The children call him Santa Claus.

My Thoughts: 5/5 stars

Another amazing Christmas themed horror book from Chandra – when she says this is her favorite holiday horror book, it becomes required reading.

Are you looking for a festive holiday read with a jolly Santa? Well, this won’t be for you. An evil Santa – entity, demon, monster, whatever he is – that is ready to do anything to protect his town from the incoming ski resort. This Santa gets children to do his murderous bidding and you’re in for some gory and vivid imagery. I had so much fun with this book and never knew I needed such a violent holiday read – reminiscent of Krampus but much worse in many ways. Also, get ready to not look at eggnog the same way. 

Loved Ling and it seemed that all other characters jumped off the page. I’d LOVE to know more about this Santa Claus because I need more of this twisted and evil holiday icon.