A present contains a monstrous secret. An uninvited guest haunts a Christmas party. A shadow slips across the floor by firelight. A festive entertainment ends in darkness and screams. Who knows what haunts the night at the dark point of the year? This collection of seasonal chillers looks beneath Christmas cheer to a world of ghosts and horrors, mixing terrifying modern fiction with classic stories by masters of the macabre. From Neil Gaiman and M. R. James to Muriel Spark and E. Nesbit, there are stories here to make the hardiest soul quail - so find a comfy chair, lock the door, ignore the cold breath on your neck and get ready to welcome in the real spirits of Christmas.
On Christmas Eve, while Santa Claus and his elves were busy getting ready for their most important night of the year, an Evil Snowman broke into Santa's workshop and stole some of the presents! With no time to lose, Santa sent his most trusted and resourceful elf, Carol Greenleaf, to confront the fiend and return the stolen presents.Meanwhile, the Evil Snowman has hidden the loot deep within the Frozen Ice-Cube Caverns, nestled away in the Himalayan mountains. The caverns are haunted by the legendary Ghost Of Christmas Presents, a mysterious and spooky spirit who will steal any present he can get his hands on.Relying on her wits and resourcefulness (and a little bit of magic), Carol must explore the dark and frozen caverns, defeat her villainous foes, and return the stolen presents before time runs out. Christmas morning is approaching fast, and the children of the world are counting on her.
From Rhys Bowen, the author of In Farleigh Field, comes the next Molly Murphy mystery: The Ghost of Christmas Past. Semi-retired private detective Molly Murphy Sullivan is suffering from depression after a miscarriage following her adventure in San Francisco during the earthquake of 1906. She and her husband, Daniel, are invited for Christmas at a mansion on the Hudson, and they gratefully accept, expecting a peaceful and relaxing holiday season. Not long after they arrive, however, they start to feel the tension in the house’s atmosphere. Then they learn that the host couple's young daughter wandered out into the snow ten years ago and was never seen again. Molly can identify with the mother's pain at never knowing what happened to her child and wants to help, but there is so little to go on. No ransom note. No body ever found. But Molly slowly begins to suspect that the occupants of the house know more than they are letting on. Then, on Christmas Eve, there is a knock at the door and a young girl stands there. "I'm Charlotte," she says. "I've come home."
**Beverly Hills Book Award Finalist** A Holiday Journey Into Life...And Afterlife Based on Charles Dickens' character of the same name, the radiant spirit is given another chance to shine when it embarks on a spiritual adventure of its own to find meaning for its being.
A present contains a monstrous secret. An uninvited guest haunts a Christmas party. A shadow slips across the floor by firelight. A festive entertainment ends in darkness and screams. Who knows what haunts the night at the dark point of the year? This collection of seasonal chillers looks beneath Christmas cheer to a world of ghosts and horrors, mixing terrifying modern fiction with classic stories by masters of the macabre. From Neil Gaiman and M. R. James to Muriel Spark and E. Nesbit, there are stories here to make the hardiest soul quail - so find a comfy chair, lock the door, ignore the cold breath on your neck and get ready to welcome in the real spirits of Christmas.
"A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens is a timeless masterpiece that transcends the holiday season, offering a profound tale of redemption and compassion. This classic novella tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly old man whose cold heart is transformed by the visitation of four ghosts on Christmas Eve. Set in Victorian London, the story unfolds as Scrooge confronts the ghosts of his past, present, and future, leading to an emotional journey that awakens his long-forgotten spirit of Christmas kindness and charity. Dickens masterfully weaves a narrative filled with memorable characters, from the cheerful Bob Cratchit and his frail yet optimistic son Tiny Tim, to the jovial Ghost of Christmas Present. Through Scrooge's transformation, "A Christmas Carol" explores themes of empathy, social injustice, and the enduring power of goodwill. Its vivid imagery, compelling characters, and heartfelt message have made it a beloved holiday tradition. Perfect for readers of all ages, this book is more than just a Christmas story; it is a captivating exploration of human nature and the potential for change within us all. "A Christmas Carol" is not only a festive read but a profound literary journey, reminding us of the importance of compassion and the joy of giving, making it an essential read during the holiday season and beyond. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was a world-renowned English writer. He is famous for his novels that depict the social realities of Victorian England. Among his most well-known works are "Oliver Twist" (1837-1839), "David Copperfield" (1849-1850), "Great Expectations" (1860-1861), and "A Christmas Carol" (1843). Dickens was a keen observer of the society of his time, shedding light on inequalities, poverty, and injustices. His writing style was characterized by humor, vivacity, and compassion for marginalized characters. Dickens contributed to shaping English literature, and his legacy still endures today.
Which is harder: seeing your own future -- or truly knowing your past? A science fiction tale of Christmases past and yet to come. At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
“A sentimental yarn in which Charles Dickens’s long-deceased sister-in-law inspires him to write A Christmas Carol.” —Publishers Weekly A Dickensian tale for the holidays! Charles Dickens, struggling writer, is haunted by the ghost of his lost sister-in-law, Mary Hogarth. In his darkest Christmastime, she comes to him in visions to inspire his writing, to make him reflect on the pivotal moments of his life . . . and to spark the idea for one of the greatest Christmas stories of all time. A remarkable holiday tale by #1 international bestselling author Kevin J. Anderson. Bonus, includes the original Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol.
