'Twas the Night: A Novel – A Christmas Horror Mystery Where a Reporter Investigates Disappearances in a Village That Worships Santa Book Review and Summary

Author: Kevin Johnson
Page Count: Unknown
Publication Date: Expected publication 2026-10-13 APL

A yuletide Midsommar drenched in eggnog and blood, you say? That sounds like a holiday party I’d rather not attend. Yet, I must admit, my curiosity is piqued by Kevin Johnson’s Twas the Night: A Novel, an upcoming Christmas horror mystery that promises to uncover the dark secrets behind a village that worships Santa Claus.

What’s immediately striking about this synopsis is its use of a familiar trope - the cult-like village with a sinister secret - and its clever subversion of the traditional Christmas narrative. It’s a bold move to take something as wholesome as Christmas and turn it into a vehicle for horror. I’m reminded of the works of authors like Shirley Jackson, who masterfully explored the darker side of human nature in her classic novel We Have Always Lived in the Castle. Johnson’s Twas the Night seems to be following in this tradition, using the festive atmosphere of Christmas to heighten the sense of unease and foreboding.

The protagonist, Halley Belanger, a sharp and skeptical reporter, is an intriguing choice for a protagonist. Her hatred of Christmas and her skepticism of the village’s worship of Santa Claus make her a perfect outsider to uncover the truth behind Yule’s eternal cheer. I’m curious to see how Johnson develops her character, particularly in the face of the village’s sinister secrets. Will she be able to maintain her objectivity, or will she become increasingly entangled in the village’s web of deceit?

The village of Yule, Maine, is another fascinating aspect of the synopsis. Its perpetual Christmas celebration and worship of Santa Claus create a sense of unease, a feeling that something is not quite right. It’s a clever commentary on the commercialization of Christmas and the ways in which it can be used to control and manipulate people. I’m reminded of the works of authors like Thomas Ligotti, who often explores the darker side of human nature and the ways in which it can be exploited.

But what really draws me to this book is its use of the Christmas mythology as a vehicle for horror. The idea that Santa Claus is not a jolly old man, but a symbol of something darker and more sinister, is a compelling one. It’s a clever subversion of the traditional Christmas narrative, and one that I think will resonate with readers who are looking for something a little different this holiday season.

And yet, as I read the synopsis, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease. Is this just another example of the horror genre’s tendency to rely on familiar tropes and cliches? Is Johnson’s use of the Christmas mythology just a clever marketing ploy, or is there something more substantial beneath the surface? I suppose only time will tell.

The Dark Side of the North Pole

As I sit here, sipping my lukewarm coffee and staring out the window at the dark, rainy night, I find myself wondering what secrets Twas the Night might hold. Will it be a clever, thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, or just another shallow horror novel? I suppose I’ll just have to wait and see.

But for now, I have more pressing concerns. There’s a protest against the demolition of a historic theater downtown, and I need to get going. The thought of losing another piece of our cultural heritage is too much to bear. I’ll have to put my thoughts on Twas the Night aside for now and focus on more pressing matters.

#SaveOurTheaters #HistoricPreservation #ChristmasHorror