It’s the holidays, and it’s time for some Christmas cheer. But if you’re looking to spice things up with some horror and suspense, then you might want to check out Secret Santa by Andrew Shaffer.
In this delightfully chilling novel, we are taken on a journey with Lussi Meyer who is desperate to work in publishing. But when she joins the prestigious Blackwood-Patterson, she finds herself embroiled in a terrifying turn of events. With a thrilling combination of comedy, suspense, and horror, this book is the perfect way to welcome in the holiday season.
The first thing that stood out to us is the amazing character development in Secret Santa. Lussi is a strong and relatable protagonist, which makes her an interesting character to follow. You can’t help but root for her as she navigates through the hostile territory of her workplace while trying to unravel the mystery behind the cursed object. Her relationships with her colleagues and former author Fabien Nightingale feel genuine and add a level of depth to the story.
The setting of the book in the 80s, complete with references to popular horror icons of the time, adds a unique flavor to the story. Shaffer manages to capture the essence of a time gone by, while keeping it relevant and accessible to modern readers. We appreciated the author’s attention to detail, and how it elevates the reading experience.
If you’re a fan of horror, then Secret Santa will certainly satisfy your cravings. The book has just the right amount of gore and suspense balanced with a good dose of humor. The scenes where Lussi is trying to figure out how to evade the deadly traps that her coworkers have fallen into will make your heart race.
The nod to German folklore is a refreshing twist that adds an unexpected layer to the book.
Secret Santa by Andrew Shaffer is a must-read for horror genre fans wanting to read something for the holidays. The book offers a unique blend of genuine characters, a well-crafted setting, and a chilling story that will have readers turning pages. It’s a book that you will enjoy even after the holiday season has long passed.
Secret Santa is available at bookstores everywhere. We highly recommend the audiobook narrated by Andi Arndt.
