ShortBookandScribes #BookReview – The Christmas Magpie by Mark Edwards
The Christmas Magpie by Mark Edwards is published today by Penguin Michael Joseph. My thanks to the publishers for the proof copy.
It’s Noel and Dani’s first Christmas in their new home and they want everything to be perfect – lavish presents, a beautiful tree and outdoor decorations to join in with the festivities in this welcoming community.
But they quickly wonder if this street is as perfect as it appears.
First, there are the unwelcome presents left anonymously on their doorstep.
Then they are sure someone is watching them…
And why are the neighbours all obsessed with a notorious killer who is housed at the nearby women’s prison?
After tragedy strikes at a Christmas party, Noel and Dani try to find out who is targeting them – but, in this case, it might be safer not to know . . .
Noel and Dani have just moved into their new home and are looking forward to the upcoming festive season. Until, that is, odd things start to happen such as strange parcels left on their doorstep and a peculiar sense that something just isn’t right. Is one of their new neighbours watching them and leaving the parcels? Who can they trust? Alongside their story is that of a notorious serial killer who is incarcarated in the local prison.
Not having read any of Mark Edwards’ other ‘Magpie’ books, I came to this one without any knowledge of who the serial killer is, which actually didn’t matter in the slightest although I think fans of the series might get a bit more from this novella. I enjoyed it for what it was and found it a nice, easy thriller to read.
If you eschew the cosy Christmas vibe and prefer a festive chiller then The Christmas Magpie might be one for you.
Mark Edwards writes psychological thrillers in which scary things happen to ordinary people.
He has sold 5 million books since his first novel, The Magpies was published in 2013, and has topped the bestseller lists numerous times. His other novels include Follow You Home, The Retreat, In Her Shadow, Because She Loves Me, The Hollows and Here to Stay. He has also co-authored six books with Louise Voss. Originally from Hastings in East Sussex, Mark now lives in Wolverhampton with his wife, their children and two cats.