10 November 2023

I was introduced to Maria Frankland while participating in a blog tour for “The Hen Party” in 2021. Between then and now I have also read “Hit and Run”. Her new book “Last Christmas” showed up on NetGalley and I just loved the cover. I had to add at least one Christmas book to my TBR and this book was the perfect choice. If you are looking for a warm, fuzzy Christmas tale that will deliver a happy, predictable ending – then this is not the book you want.

“Last Christmas” is a brilliant twisty psychological thriller crossed with an intense family drama. This is a book that will keep you reading late into the night as you keep wondering what will happen next.

Maria Frankland starts slowly, allowing you to ease into her story while you get to know the various characters and just as you find yourself relaxing into a slow-paced read, she unexpectedly speeds things up and leaves you flipping pages faster than you imagined possible. This gripping psychological thriller delves deep into the complex dynamics of a seemingly ordinary family whose lives are shattered by a shocking death on a snowy Christmas night. Her writing style is engaging and evocative, pulling you into the chilling world of this dysfunctional family. Her descriptions of the wintery setting and the emotional turmoil of the characters are vivid, leaving you almost feeling the biting cold and tension in the air. This is a suspenseful tale that will keep you engrossed until the very last page.

Sacha and Neil’s marriage is not in a good place when she insists that he join her family for Christmas. This is the last thing Neil wants to do, he doesn’t like his in-laws and he is not looking forward to them treating him like an outsider. He is unemployed, suffering from depression and alcohol while feeling horrid that he is not able to give Sasch the one thing she wants. When a fight at the Christmas table breaks out between Neil and Adam, Wendy – Sascha’s mother sends the pair out for a walk to sort themselves out. But Adam returns alone and Neil’s body is found at the bottom of a cliff the next day. Sascha’s world is shattered at the loss of her husband and while everyone tries to convince her that Neil jumped, she refuses to believe that he would do that to her.

This book had me on the edge of my seat with all the twists and turns. I found myself engrossed in these characters and very relieved that I do not have any sisters.

The characters are well-drawn and the author allows you to get to know the various family members as each one’s secrets are revealed. The three sisters are all close to their parents, but not that much to each other. While Christy, the oldest and Sasch the middle sister have a good relationship, their little sister Rebecca does not seem to fit in the mix. She is aloof, her jealousy leaves you feeling as if she wants to stir up trouble every time she opens her mouth. These three sister and their very different husbands are guaranteed to be a handful at any event. It is no wonder the perfect Christmas Wendy was hoping for was anything but.

As Sascha grapples with the loss of her husband and the excitement about finally being pregnant, you find yourself caught up in the revelations of her family as you are drawn into the turmoil and emotions she experiences. The exploration of grief, guilt and family dynamics is touching and thought-provoking.

The story climaxes as the truth about Neil’s death is finally revealed, the resolution is both shocking and satisfying, with all the loose ends neatly tied up. The author’s ability to keep you guessing until the end is fantastic.

“Last Christmas is a riveting thriller that explores the darkest corners of family secrets, betrayal and the consequences of deception. It’s a page-turner that will have you eagerly flipping through the chapters, eager to uncover the truth. Maria Frankland’s skilful storytelling and well-crafted characters make this novel a must-read for fans of psychological suspense and domestic thrillers.