Books Like...

'Hark! the Herald Angels Scream' by Christopher Golden is a Christmas horror collection that features 18 short stories, including a novella. The book offers a mix of horror, dark comedy, and bittersweet tales tied to the holiday season. Readers have praised the diverse range of authors in the collection, with standout stories featuring toothy final twists and elements of literary horror. The writing style is described as engaging, surprising, and effective, creating a perfect blend of horror, holiday cheer, and unexpected twists.

Krampus: The Yule Lord by Brom is a modern tale about a failed musician named Jesse who gets entangled in an ancient battle between Krampus, the Lord of Yule, and Santa Claus. Set in a small town plagued by joblessness and meth, the story combines traditional folklore with Norse mythology. Jesse finds himself in possession of Loki's magical bag, desired by both Krampus and Santa, leading to a series of events where he strikes a deal with Krampus to save his family from local criminals. The book's writing style is described as engaging, fast-paced, and intriguing, blending dark urban fantasy elements with elements of horror and dark comedy.

'Dead of Winter' by Kealan Patrick Burke is a collection of winter-themed horror short stories that capture the eerie essence of the snowy season. The stories range from menacing snowmen to downhearted Santa Clauses, each evoking a sense of dread and despair associated with the cold winter months. Burke's writing style is described as atmospheric, dark, and moody, painting vivid pictures of chilling landscapes and haunting scenarios that leave a lasting impact on the reader.

'The Visitor' by Sergio Gomez is a Christmas horror novella set in a small, run-down diner in the middle of a massive snowstorm. The story follows five strangers who are trapped in the diner due to the storm, only to realize that something otherworldly has decided to pay Earth a visit. As the survivors fight against the unknown alien intruder, the action becomes gripping, filled with unexpected twists and a surprising ending. The book is described as a fast-paced and thrilling read, reminiscent of a good action horror movie, with well-developed characters and a monster that feels equally terrifying and surreal.

The plot of 'The Visitor' revolves around the strangers bonding quickly as the storm worsens, turning their white Christmas into a bloody nightmare. The writing style is noted for its ability to pull the reader in with ordinariness in the beginning, making the characters relatable yet mysterious. The story plays on the sudden interruption of normalcy during the festive holidays, instilling a sense of dread and showcasing that anything is possible when faced with danger.

The Festival by H.P. Lovecraft is a short story that follows a man who returns to his ancestral town in the northeast to partake in an ancient festival, despite his family members ignoring the call to uphold the tradition. As he delves deeper into the happenings of the festival, he encounters strange and unnerving occurrences that challenge his perception of reality. The story is rich in atmosphere, blending the mundane with the fantastic, creating an eerie and uncomfortable vibe that leaves the protagonist questioning everything, including his sanity. Lovecraft's writing style in The Festival is described as atmospheric, poetic, and dreamlike, with a weird cosmic quality that is characteristic of his best stories.

'Santa Steps Out' by Robert Devereaux is an erotic fantasy horror novel that takes a twisted and perverted look at the characters of Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, and the Easter Bunny. The plot revolves around Santa's affair with the lustful Tooth Fairy, which leads to disturbing and unexpected events. is known for its graphic descriptions of explicit sex scenes involving holiday mascots, challenging the traditional wholesome image of these characters. Readers have described the writing style as bizarre, disturbing, and unexpected, making it a memorable and shocking read.

In "The Stupidest Angel" by Christopher Moore, Pine Cove is visited by an angel who sets off a chain of events resulting in a Christmas miracle gone awry - a zombie apocalypse during the town's holiday gathering. The book features quirky characters, absurd situations, and dark humor, making it a unique and entertaining Christmas tale. The plot involves a mix of humor, satire, and fantasy elements, creating a festive yet terrifying atmosphere as the characters navigate through the chaos caused by the angel's misguided actions.

The writing style of Christopher Moore in this book is described as fast-paced, hilarious, and irreverent. Readers find themselves laughing out loud at the witty dialogue, snappy humor, and ridiculous scenarios, while also appreciating the clever structuring of the story with inane character traits coming into play later on. Despite the dark themes of zombies and Christmas terror, the book manages to balance humor and heartwarming moments, making it a fun and enjoyable read for those with a taste for the bizarre.

Ashley, a California girl studying in London, is invited by her classmate Emma to spend Christmas at her family's country manor. Despite the picturesque setting, Ashley finds herself entangled in a dark and chilling tale involving Emma's twin brother, who is a person of interest in a local girl's death. The story unfolds through Ashley's diary entries, revealing a complex web of relationships and a shocking twist that keeps the reader hooked until the end. The writing style is described as atmospheric, gothic, and fully fleshed out, capturing the reader's attention with its detailed characters and unexpected plot twists.