The Night Before Christmas

By: Maria Frankland

Narrated by: Kristin Atherton, Lucy Scott

It was all happy families. Until she arrived....

As the car pulls up to my husband Dominic’s family home the night before Christmas, I suppress a shudder. I’ve never felt welcome here. His parents make it clear I’m a poor comparison to his perfect first wife, Carla. But I’m determined to lean into the festive cheer.

Until Dominic’s mother bustles into our bedroom and blindsides me: ‘You won’t mind, will you. Carla is coming for the holidays. She’s still one of the family, and she can’t get home because of the storm.’ My eyes widen–did she and Carla plan this on purpose? I know Dominic won’t stand up to his parents. Apart from marrying me, I guess–with my past, I wasn’t exactly what his family wanted. But then I see the smallest hint of satisfaction cross his face. Did he know about this too?

When Carla arrives, arms laden with presents, her beautiful smile doesn’t fool me. And with the howling snowstorm promising days of ice-white isolation, we’re stuck here. And it’s quickly clear that not only does she want Dominic back, she wants me gone. Forever....

But while we sip mulled wine and unwrap our gifts, carols merrily playing in the background, I hide a secret smile. None of them know that I’m far, far tougher than they give me credit for. I’ve survived before. And if I have to, I would kill to survive again, even if it is Christmas....

This tense, twisted and utterly gripping festive psychological thriller is filled with deadly family secrets hiding in plain sight. Perfect for fans of Daniel Hurst, The Housemaidand Lisa Jewell.

*Previously published as His Ex-Wife*

©2024 Maria Frankland (P)2025 Bookouture, an imprint of Storyfire Ltd.

Critic reviews

‘BOOM… Spectacular… I grew more and more addicted and absolutely struggled to pull myself away… Completely gripping.’ (Jessica’s Book Biz, five stars)

Story unbelievable but still kinda fun

The narration really added a lot to this. That was excellent. The story got really unbelievable and over the top. But still a good pretty fast listen overall. I like that it’s a Christmas thriller.

Maybe just not for me

I listened to this book following several domestic thrillers by Daniel Hurst. Maybe I'm in the minority, but this book seemed to pale in comparison. The characters here were much less developed, and the storyline was less engaging. Perhaps I just prefer character-driven plots, which this was not.

entertaining

I got through this book very quickly no parts of this dragged on. Good ending to. Very much recommended

Quite Captivating

This story by Maria Frankland is full of wild details as always and so captivating that I just tabled my life until it was completed.This is a horrifying situation, all within the family Christmas celebration. It makes me wonder how many supposedly happy family holiday celebrations are actually difficult for one or more participants. I'm pondering the situation even a day after finishing the book
By the way, the narration is superb. I usually read Maria's books, but enjoyed the audio version so much that I will.order more in audio.

Outstanding!

Loved the "pace" this story traveled. Kept interest throughout. Fabulous ending... A believable consequence, though totally unexpected.