Recs if you like Secret Santa...

I can't be the only one who want to remember all the books without jumping around in a video, right?

Horrors and thrillers set in winter (21st December to 20th March, but I will count earlier December as winter too to make things easier) or in a really cold place that reminds of wintertime.

The list will contain both more known books that you've probably already been recommended and some that I've seen have had less attention, at least over here. I have not read them all, but I want to complete this list myself too during the next Christmasses.

what gab smolders read in 2025 as per her book talk video! horror + in tier order from most to least liked by her:

★ S TIER: from "night shoot" to "old country"

★ A TIER: from "what stalks the deep" to "listen to your sister"

★ B TIER: from "the long walk" to "the gathering"

★ C TIER: from "banquet for the damned" to "model home"

★ D TIER: from "3 streets" to "my darling dreadful thing"

★ F TIER: from "basilisk" to "survivor song"

Silent Night, Bloody Night. Snow falls, and everything looks peaceful. Until it isn’t. These are stories where the holidays turn hostile: killers in the cold, ancient things in the woods, parties that end in blood. From slashers to folklore to sheer winter dread, these books remind you that not all traditions should be kept alive.

Because the most wonderful time of the year means curling up with a good mystery

Most of these will be murder mysteries surrounding the Christmas season, but some are also winter-themed and/or less gruesome mysteries.

Books that are set during Winter or around Christmas

Holidays are terrifying!!!