Christmas Presents

By: Lisa Unger

Narrated by: Jennifer Pickens

Length: 5 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

Madeline Martin has built a life for herself as the young owner of a thriving business, The Next Chapter Bookshop, despite her tragic childhood and now needing to care for her infirm father. When Harley Granger, a failed novelist turned true crime podcaster, drifts into her shop in the days before Christmas, he seems intent on digging up events that Madeline would much rather forget. She's the only surviving victim of Evan Handy, the man who was convicted of murdering her best friend Steph, and is suspected in the disappearance of two sisters, also good friends of Madeline's, who have been missing for nearly a decade.

Harley Granger has a gift for seeing things that others miss. He wasn't much of a novelist, but his work as a true crime author and podcaster has earned him fame and wealth—and some serious criticism for his various unethical practices. Still, visiting Little Valley to be closer to his dying father has caused him to look into a case that many people think is closed—and some want reopened.

Since Evan Handy went to jail, three other young women have gone missing, most recently a young college dropout named Lolly. Five young women missing in the same area in a decade. Are they connected? Was Evan Handy innocent after all? Or was there some else there that night? Someone who is still satisfying his dark appetites?

©2023 Lisa Unger (P)2023 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Simple

It’s a great story and a very simple listen. I love the narrators voice. The story was a little confusing on the timeline of events yet it was a great book! I will listen to again gladly!

Just ok

That was a very quick read. Read it in a day. I feel like if it was longer, it would’ve been better. I wish the relationship between badger and the main character was more explored as well as Evan’s upbringing and character growth.

Not bad, not bad.

Pretty good. I really like this author. I’ve read two of her books and I’ve enjoyed both so far. Very unique story.

I liked it but disliked the narration

This was a horrible audiobook. The story itself was good. But there were several POVs using the same narrator with not much distinction between the voice of each character. At times it was too confusing and frustrating to follow. Halfway through, the main character’s voice seemed to get deeper in tone. It was just odd.

Great book.

I loved this book, but me personally I don’t care for the flashbacks. Made it hard to piece together what was happening.

So good but wish there was more

I loved this book so much. I still have questions but it was a great read!

Cast of interesting characters

Great narrator, intricate plot with past & present clues. Friends & family focused multiple murder mystery. Really enjoyed the simple exploration of a complex case without overwhelming details.

Another great read

I always love Lisa’s stories. This is another good one. Plenty of twists and turns.

Good narration and story

I found it hard to follow so make sure to pay attention. It’s a good story.

Excellent as always

Lisa never fells to deliver an intriguing story with developed characters. I loved the mention of the Hallows. Jennifer was a perfect fit for this audible recording.