The Christmas Tree Killer

 

By Chris Frost

Review

A 2025 Top Rated Read

When a hiker finds a wrapped Christmas present in the snow containing a severed human foot, it's the start of a new investigation for DI Tom Stonem. When more presents are discovered with their contents just as gruesome, Tom must act quickly to find the person responsible. Is someone playing a sick game and if so, why? 

Having read and enjoyed the fantastic first book in the series, The Killer's Christmas List, I was really looking forward to this second one. The story is extremely chilling with limbs being hacked off, wrapped and sent as 'gifts' but I loved it. I thought the concept was original and gripping. I've become invested in the main characters and hope the series will continue so I can follow their development further. Once again the fast-paced plot was brilliantly executed and kept me guessing until the end. The twists and turns were awesome. I can't wait for book three!        

★★★★★

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: HarperNorth
• Publication Year: 2025
• Author: Chris Frost
• Genre: Crime

Synopsis

In the dead of winter, the Pennine Way is treacherous. As snowstorms hit, hikers have been told to stay away. But not everyone has heeded the warning: a lone walker finds a parcel in the snow, addressed to her. But there’s no festive treat inside. Instead? A severed limb.

DI Tom Stonem is called in to investigate as more gruesome packages appear under the trees. Each is wrapped like a Christmas present, with tags addressed to local residents. Are the intended recipients of these sinister gifts involved in the bloodshed? Or victims of a killer’s cruel game?

As Stonem unwraps the case, the secrets of the forest get ever darker. As December ticks down, it looks like this Christmas, murder is the gift that keeps on giving…