Then There’s the OTHER Hallmark: To Hell With Hallmark is a Collection of Terrifying Christmas Horror

 

To Hell With Hallmark

Brad Ricks

Unveiling Nightmares Press, 2024

ISBN-13: 979-8345992654

Ebook, 228 ppg.

Buy link

 

 

 

Say “Hallmark” and people think “movies.” Sure, it used to mean greeting cards once upon a time, but these days, people recognize the Hallmark Channel as a channel that provides a large selection of movies.

 

Especially during the Christmas season.

 

And that’s where we horror lovers release a loud, pained groan. “No! Not THOSE movies during Christmas!”

 

Give us Terrifier 3! Give us Silent Night, Deadly Night!

 

Or, if you prefer books, then To Hell With Hallmark by Brad Ricks would fit the bill quite nicely.

 

As a character says in one story, “This place reminds me of the movies.” Okay. Let’s go with that.

 

But after you get a taste of homicidal gingerbread men and a tow truck driver moonlighting as something else, you’ll start to realize that maybe THIS particular “Hallmark” isn’t exactly what you’ll find in those movies.

 

And that’s what makes this short story collection of Christmas horror so awesome. Each tale is even better than the last, providing a neverending supply of thrills and chills.

 

And each story is like the kind of Hallmark movie I am more interested in streaming! I enjoyed all of the horrific antics, surprises, twists and terrifying delights in this book.

 

I also liked how the stories are all connected. By this, I mean that certain things taking place in one story is mentioned in a later story or things that happen in a previous story (or hinted at happening) get a little bit of a follow-up in a later story. While there’s nothing wrong with open endings in short stories, it’s nice to get a clearer idea of what likely happened or actually happened after we leave those characters in that story.

 

And these stories have such very interesting characters! None of them were a disappointment. I also liked Ricks’ take of classic Christmas tales, such as with “A Christmas Carol.”

 

And speaking of the author sharing his own take on a Christmas classic, you won’t want to miss the “gift” readers receive at the very end! I loved it!

 

To Hell With Hallmark is a scary and horrific collection of stories that would bring some awesome entertainment to fans of horror yearning for something more exciting to read during the Christmas holidays. These stories can actually be enjoyed all year, as they provide a stronger dose of terror and carnage than you would ever find in any Hallmark movie.

 

 

Five stars

 

 

Disclaimer: I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

12 Days of Christmas Horror: “O Come All Ye Fearful” by Carrieta Dorsch

 

 

On the twelfth day of Christmas, PsychoToxin Press gave to me…

 

“O Come All Ye Fearful” by Carrieta Dorsch

 

This is the twelfth story in a 12-part series of stories being released by PsychoToxin Press Eye Tales. You can download and read this story for free here

 

You can check out all of the Eye Tales stories here

 

 

 

My Review:

Marshall never enjoyed Christmas, because when he was growing up, Christmas meant more abuse and rape from his stepfather and his buddies. As an adult, he is even more callous about the holiday, especially with the damn carolers who won’t stop singing at his house. So on one Christmas Eve, he loses it and goes on a killing spree.

 

What an awesome last story for this series of Christmas horror! This one has all the violence and gore! Even a bit of cannibalism, for those of you who can handle it. Well, at least Marshall finally gets to celebrate Christmas just the way he likes it. I loved reading this cringe-worthy and bloody Christmas story! It put a terrifying spin on a holiday that not everyone gets excited about.

 

 

 

Five stars  

12 Days of Christmas Horror: “Break a Leg” by Christina Bergling

 

 

On the eleventh day of Christmas, PsychoToxin Press gave to me…

 

“Break a Leg” by Christina Bergling

This is the eleventh story in a 12-part series of stories being released by PsychoToxin Press Eye Tales. You can download and read this story for free here

 

You can check out all of the Eye Tales stories here

 

My Review:

Malik and Craig are part of an acting troupe with one rival: Jonah, who is jealous that the guys always got the good parts. When Jonah seeks revenge during the next production of The Nutcracker, things go terribly wrong, and start to backfire!

 

I gotta admit, when I was a kid, I was terrified of the Nutcracker. The way those jaws just chomped-chomped-chomped! But you know what? Reading this story, as an adult, I can’t help but picture the Nutcracker in all his chomping glory and think, Awesome! Ooh, this story was too good. I read it and thought, If only I could see that kind of show for real! I don’t know about you, but I think I prefer THIS version of The Nutcracker much more. Good frightful and gory story! I loved it – especially the ending!

 

 

Five stars