Reviews

Christmas Presents by Lisa Unger

t00b00ked_t00busy's review against another edition

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3.0

3.5⭐️

Quick Christmas-y thriller. It was hard to connect with the characters since the book was only 200 and some pages. I enjoyed the choppy timelines and the true crime aspect. Throughout the entire book I was on edge waiting to know what happened. However, the ending fell flat since it was completely predictable.

Overall, I enjoyed myself.

smraffs12's review against another edition

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mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

worldwydewifey's review against another edition

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2.0

This book actually pissed me off. The first couple chapters set it up to be a cozy christmas thriller SO well but the author just gave way too much information (obvious info) in my opinion that by chapter 6 I was like ok I think I know who did it... and then by chapter 10 I was 10000% sure. I literally only finished it so I could prove to myself that I am as smart as I think I am and I was right. Ending was so wack it actually took off a full star for me. Gross.

keishamae85's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

pleonard90's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

cooperca's review against another edition

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3.0

The novel unfolds effortlessly, offering an engaging and fast reading experience. When renowned true-crime podcaster delves into a closed case involving the lone survivor of serial killer Evan Handy, it brings back painful memories, to the entire town, especially Madeline, who was able to get away from Evan and survive. The story grips you from the start and the intensity is quickly established as Madeline's chilling story is intertwined with the harrowing captivity of another young woman. As the plot unfolds, there's a palpable sense of anticipation, creating a magnetic pull to get to the truth of what happened. Unfortunately, the promise of a riveting investigation, complete with a murder board, is dashed when the killer’s identity is abruptly unveiled. The ending felt rushed, leaving an unsatisfactory feeling.

While I’d still recommend the book, I would provide the caveat that the ending may not offer the reader a satisfying closure.

meshaaaalc's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced

3.0

lizzgles's review against another edition

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mysterious

3.0

emilynelson's review against another edition

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3.0

This was a good book with a good storyline but I’m rating it so low because I guessed the “bad guy” by the first 25% of the book because of a small detail that I’m sure was there for foreshadowing but ended up giving the whole thing away! I’m a seasoned thriller reader so crazy twists and shocking endings are my bread and butter and this one just didn’t do that. However, if you’re getting started into thrillers this might be a good start for you!

chroniclerofcreepy's review against another edition

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3.0

3.5. Just okay because it was predictable. Didn't really enjoy the holiday theme, but it was written well.