Ring the Bells is book 5 in the Stranger Times series. I recommend you read them from book 1 so that you get the crews back stories.
It's Christmas at the Stranger Times office, and the crew are going through the edits before printing the final edition of the season when the computers are hit with a virus.
Meanwhile, on the other side of Manchester, a well-meaning book group turned witches coven are performing a ritual of peace when they unwittingly summon Zalas a God of chaos.
I love this series of books. Urban horror fantasy that is full of dry humour and hilarious characters.
This is a fabulous Christmas romp, with a mall Santa possessed by an ancient chaos god.... Let the chaos begin.
If you haven't read these, I recommend you do.
Thank you, NetGalley and Publishers, for the ARC. 5*

Thank you to NetGalley and Bantam Press for this ARC!

“Ring the Bells” is the fifth book in the “Stranger Times” book series, which tells us of the staff of the “Stranger Times” newspaper, based in Manchester and telling the stories no other newspaper wants to tell you: Those of the supernatural, of unexplained phenomena, of unknown flying objects in the sky. In this specific instalment we join the crew around Christmas-time, as they have to deal with an ancient demon which was accidentally let loose by a well-meaning coven of witches. Said demon, Zalas, attempts to gain power through his believers by becoming the only one that still inspires true belief, at least in children – Santa Claus. Can they stop him before he ruins Christmas for everyone and takes over the world?

While it would probably be possible to read this book without having read the others first, I honestly wouldn’t recommend it, and why would you want to deprive yourself of the joy of spending four other books with this lovable cast before you arrive here?

I devoured the previous four instalments of this series within a few days, and when I saw that this one was up on NetGalley I had to request it. And despite being in a reading slump, I also devoured this book the second my request got approved.

This entire series is what you should find when you look up the word “Fun” in the dictionary. Dry humour, a ridiculous premise that is perfectly executed, a lovable cast of over the top characters, all balanced out by many sincere and heartfelt moments.

I really enjoyed the high-stakes premise of this book, although I do wish I had read it during winter rather than during summer. Despite the unfitting weather I still had a fantastic time, with ridiculous and funny moments balanced by a lot of moments which reminded you why you so love and care for these characters.

I truly think these books are for everyone, and I hope you will give them a shot!

Phenomenal!
Can I just say that and trust that you will go and source books one through four?

This is one of my favourite series, the characters are perfection, the stories are humorous and clever, there’s just the right balance of darkness and crazy. I’m so invested in the over story but this was one of my favourite books in the series as it’s rather apt for the current state of the world.
C.K. just checking, I’m not a character am

The latest in C.K. McDonnell's hilarious, fantasy fuelled Stranger Times series, Ring the Bells is a unique Christmas-time instalment, running the gamut of series regulars with all of McDonnell's trade-mark irreverence and humour.

This a busy, multi-layered story, which throws back to earlier titles in the series throughout, but which could likely be read as an (I suspect initially confusing) stand-alone.

Dear Satan, all I want for Christmas is... wait....Sorry, Santa! Right??

Christmas has come to Manchester, and with it another potential catastrophe falls into the lap of The Stranger Times. A bookish triple-homicide forces DI Tom Sturgess to call in reinforcements, namely his not-quite-ex Hannah Willis', and her merry band of magical beings. As they race against time to stop who, or what, ever has escaped into their dimension, the other members of The Stranger Times, Manchester's foremost (and only) supernatural newspaper are fighting their own battles. An unexpected visit changes everything for Stella and Manny. A technologically gifted terror torments the 'mainstream' media, and also Ox. Brian the ghoul gets into the Christmas spirit. Grace answers a lot of phone calls. Banecroft pisses everyone off. Reggie... is there!

I am a big lover of this series. I enjoyed this story immensely, although I found the pace a little break-neck. I do wish some resolution came to pass in the Sturgess/ Hannah storyline, but that's more a me-thing than a criticism! 4 stars.

I have read all 5 of these books now and this one was almost impossible to put down. I enjoyed the characters and how they have developed throughout the books. I liked the stories going on in parallel and the way they become linked. What I love most is that there has to be another one maybe involving Stella and her story or what happens next with the founders. That’s at least two.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, so here goes...

Honestly, this book (and this series as a whole) is fantastic. As a resident of Manchester, it's eerily familiar, and I feel like I'm walking around the city with the characters as they go through their absolutely bonkers lives. I have been informed by the author that my theory is incorrect, but I still believe that the Stranger Times offices are in the church at the top of Chester Road near the Mancunian Way. No one will persuade me otherwise. Sorry.

The fifth instalment of The Stranger Times caused several snort-laughs, a couple of belly-laughs, and the occasional 'for f**k sake, Banecroft!"

The Stranger Times office is getting ready for their Christmas party and the paper is ready to print when a computer virus causes the whole edition to disappear. At the same time, an Old God is ready and raring to take over the world. He just needs believers.

Typical ST shenanigans ensue, and a Christmassy romp around the city begins. Banecroft continues throwing out fantastic one-liners, and we learn a little bit more about Stella's whatever-it-is, and Manny's history.

There's plenty of snow and Santas and librarians and talking dogs and Brian and ghosts and gods and dinosaurs and unicorns and... well... just read the book to find out what other mystical, mythological and magical entities turn up.

Roll on book 6!

i mean look at that cover. what were we expecting? and ring the bells for chaos indeed we will with this book. and im here for it.
this book is part of a series but the author does the best job in giving some backstory to characters. but i think it still worth reading the others.
This book group has somehow become a coven. they usually stick to doing good. but then this new book comes into their lives. and so happens that now an ancient god has been released from it, because of it. great! nope. because this god moves from his host to his next host to his next host each time to try gain more power.
sadly for this god he also wasn't set for the world he has entered. this modern world is messy. and its now up to the crew to try get this under control or they face losing...well...the world.
the characters are all back being themselves lol. and don't we just love em. kind of. not at all sometimes. but we love to read about them yes we do.
there is humour and great wit throughout this book that not many people can do so seamlessly. i love those moments. you know when people just seem to have that to them even in the simplest of words or sentences they just make it somehow naturally full of wit. but it also never overtakes the more serious notes to the story. i don't know how people manage this. one or the other is hard enough!
i love how our main "Baddie" in this wants to gain power and does so by you know, naturally becoming Santa because who wouldn't be drawn to him then. little smart parts like this are just all part of these books. those unique,clever plot points are just so well done.
this is a brilliant addition to these books. i often read and stop and smile in these books and think how does this author do this every time. and do it with consistent brilliance. i cant tell you how impressed i feel every single time. its all on its own McDonnels writing. all on its own in the best kind of way.

I could read about the staff of The Stranger Times endlessly. Ring the Bells is another brilliantly funny and clever supernatural adventure, this time with a Christmas theme. My only complaint is that it was over too soon!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

It feels like The Stranger Times have been away for an extended period so was chuffed to see a new book and what could be better than reading about Xmas in 30 degree August!

The team are back and as ever it’s verging on silly but is clever and fun and an author enjoying himself, I genuinely laughed out loud a few times.

If you were reading this as the first in the series I would suggest starting at book 1 to really appreciate the arc of the quirky yet relatable characters but I think you could read as a stand-alone.

Christmas, demons, humour and more… it’s really enjoyable and one of my favourite series out there today!

I can’t lie, it was odd to be reading such a christmassy book in August. It’s still a lot of fun though, and fans will relish the continuing adventures of the Stranger Times crew. What’s new here is that one subplot is actually very moving and emotional, and completely straightly written. The chaos around it is more in the expected ST vein, with Banecroft especially getting some killer lines (you know how perpetually annoyed Jackson Lamb is? Now imagine he has to spend his day dealing with ghosts and vampires). A worthy addition to the series.

Book 5 in The Stranger Times saga, and ok as a standalone, though reading the previous books would help the reader understand the backgrounds of the characters and their earlier exploits.

One I’m sure the hardcore aficionados of the series will love.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House UK.

I don’t remember the last Christmas book I read. I certainly don’t remember the last time I sat in a heatwave reading about snow and Santa! But when C.K. McDonnell rings in a new book in The Stranger Times series, seasonal concerns are quickly thrown out the window.

Ring the Bells is the fifth book in The Stranger Times Series. The Stranger Times is a paper covering the more esoteric and unusual new stories of the day. But as we’ve seen in the previous books of this series, they are all too often the only paper reporting the truth!  If you’ve read previous books in the series you’ll recognise the wonderful cast of characters and laugh out loud style of writing. For me this book added a much more emotional edge to the series. One of the storylines in this book brings a new dimension to the series and it was written brilliantly against the chaos of the demonic Santa! If you’ve read or heard (through The Stranger Times podcast) the short story “The One” you’ll know that this author can write in a way that stays with you – and this book delivers one hell of a punch. But do not fear, this book still brings the chaotic, fantastical, apocalypse bound rollercoaster that you have come to expect from this author. When a book club accidentally summons something that can best be described as a ‘demon hell bent on subduing humanity to its will’ (and let’s be honest which book clubs haven’t come close to doing this at some point!) it starts a trail of death and destruction around Manchester which builds to a thrilling finale.

As usual the local police are ill-prepared to deal with the fallout of unforgiving entities from other dimensions and so it falls to the staff of The Stranger Times and the network of contacts they have built in the magical communities to save us from catastrophe. With Vincent Banecroft’s acerbic editorial leadership style, the staff, the paranormal inhabitants of the region and even Santa need to watch out! I really enjoyed the interplay between the staff in this book, which started with Grace’s futile attempts to bring the team together for some forced Christmas jollity. As ever the rest of the staff were not spared from the chaos! I particularly enjoyed Ox’s attempts at mentoring a new addition to the crew, Reggie’s constant frustration of Vincent’s journalistic standards and Hannah’s attempts to keep her love-life alive. The story cleverly intertwines two major plot lines providing great pacing throughout the book – as one storyline builds pace and chaos, the other thread provides a new insight into one of the characters which I found utterly compelling. The prologue of this book already had me worried about what the author may do to a character, to the point I found it hard not to think about what might be about to happen. I would tell you more but we know damppebbles hates spoilers! [I do!]

As we move through the book, Christmas and its associated festivities provides multiple targets for the author to take aim – especially the ever-reviled Christmas Wonderland. I am delighted to say McDonnell never misses, providing laugh out loud moments throughout the story. The occasional news stories interspersed between chapters provide another bright spot in this wonderful read.

In any series there is always a question of whether a book can be read as a standalone. In this case it can, but you will definitely miss out on the emotional impact of one of the storylines. And why would you not read the rest of this amazing series?!

Would I recommend this book? I would, but I would strongly recommend building to it through the earlier books in the series. I would also suggest that if you enjoy them, to try the Bunny McGarry series by the same author (under the name Caimh McDonnell!). Ring the Bells is an excellent story that will be enjoyed by many. I expect to see it on many Christmas lists and can’t wait to see what is planned next for this superb series.

[Review will be published on 9th October 2025]

Once again, the Stranger Times staff are pulled into the chaos of the unnatural world, and it falls on them to save the day. But can they?

It starts with a book club that soon turns into a little witchy magic when one of the members discovers an occult book. The women come together to improve the lives of some children, but in doing so, they inadvertently summon an ancient god who has been trapped in the void for an immeasurable time. And he, Zalas, wants to be worshipped. And as it's Christmas time, what better way to be worshipped than as Santa Claus? But can Bancroft and the staff of Stanger Times stop the chaos and save Christmas?

This fun, festive ride was great to read, and has continued to add to the greatness of the Stranger Times books simply.

The fifth book in this very entertaining series featuring the staff of The Stranger Times newspaper. As usual, the story is packed with crazy characters, improbable villains and lots of humour. The plot is wonderfully weird and exciting. Alongside the bizarre plot, the background story of Manni, the newspaper's printer, is actually very moving and provided a thoughtful ending to the book. I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series.

Another funny and riveting story featuring the staff of The Stranger Times. Banecroft becomes my favourite more and more. I got to the end with a tear in my eye and wanting more. I'd happily read any books in this series.

Sometimes, when the world has gone decidely crackers, what you need is .. well, more mayhem .. but of the fun variety. And especially of the Manchester set-Stranger Times team variety. Ah yes, to the delight of his fans everywhere, C.K. McDonnell has returned with his The Stranger Times crew and a few extras. Published just in time for Halloween and with a Christmassy theme. Erm, Christmas. Does Banecroft actually celebrate Christmas? After all, it's a time of giving and peace to all.... Anyway, swiftly moving on.
It's time for the Christmas party at the Stranger Times office and the team are about to celebrate when things go awry, across Manchester, things are going very wrong when a book club meeting ends in mass murder and an evil deity from another dimension in intent on making earth its new and hellish home. Only our beloved team can come to the rescue with demonic Santas, blood-thirsty books and more ghosts than usual, how on earth can they save the world (again)?
Will they'll give it a go and cause a fair amount of chaos along the way. And just who is included in this motely crew?
Our intrepid reporting team consists of:
Vincent Banecroft - drinker, expert insulter and in need of a bath
Hannah - editor and possibly the sanest of the group, though the competition sets a low bar
Grace - office manager, God fearing and insisting on a Christmas party for the team
Reggie and Ox - the hilarious double act, who act as though they don't get along but have each others back
Stella - a source of unknown power and teenage sarcasm
Manny - possessed by an unknown entity, and not keen on clothes
The storyline is uttely madcap and I already consider Ring The Bells to be a Christmas classic that I will be re-reading for years to come.

I loved every minute of this book. I knew I was going to love it before I even started because it's one of my favourite series. In saying that, this one was my favourite. The story was brilliant, and the characters as funny as ever. I love the newspaper articles that are dotted here and there. It's just great fun, and very addictive. I'm already crossing my fingers that there will be more books to come.

Ring the bells, indeed! McDonnell has gifted us a Christmas tale for the ages! It's an instant holiday classic. IMHO, It's actually the best book McDonnell has ever written. I'm not even a Swiftie and I enjoyed it. Trust me, that makes sense when you read the book. It's a riotous tale of the apocalypse. Who knew it could be such fun? McDonnell is masterful in the way he balances the literal laugh out loud moments with poignant scenes and revelations. No one will look at Santa Claus the same way again. That's another thing you can trust me on. The Stranger Times series has always been enjoyable but this one takes it to new heights. Thank you to Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, Bantam & NetGalley for the advance reading copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Oooft! I’ve been waiting for this and it was so worth the wait!

Ring the Bells keeps the crazy spirit of the Stranger Times series alive and well. The usual chaos is all there: daft monsters, dodgy conspiracies, and the kind of sharp, ridiculous banter that makes the characters feel like pals you’d happily share a pint with… if you didn’t mind risking being dragged into some otherworldly nonsense.

What makes this one stand out, though, is the way it handles dementia and the ache of memory slipping away. There’s still plenty of laugh-out-loud moments but threaded through all the nonsense is a real, gentle look at what it means to lose someone bit by bit, even when they’re still right there in front of you.

It’s never overly sentimental. The story stays true to its daft heart but finds space for the sad bits too. There’s a tenderness in how the characters look out for each other, even when they’re being their usual shambolic selves. The daftness and the heartbreak sit side by side in a way that makes both hit harder.

Somehow, among all the gags and the monsters and the scrapes, there’s a reminder of how precious life is. Still wildly funny, still full of daft charm, but with a softness that lingers long after the last page.

This is the 5th Stranger Times book and, with no disrespect to the author, don't start here! Having said that the prologue is very clever as it gets in a lot of the cast and quite a bit of the back stories to so it would be possible to read this without reading the previous books. So let me amend my statement and say "please don't start with this one" as the previous books are excellent and you will miss a lot.

Anyway… There's this book group that sort of morphed into a coven who did good things (mainly) until they got this special book. That meant that Zalas was released - a rather nasty chaos loving ancient god. It was a bit "messy" (!!) and he moves from host to host looking for believers to enhance his power. He is somewhat unprepared for the modern world though. This is not the only issue the Stranger Times crew are facing either solo or together. We get a bit more about Stella and probably all of Manni's backstory. Zeke and Cogs are back which is great as is Sturgess. In minor matters Grace is still trying to change Banecroft and Banecroft is still Banecroft! And it being that time of year there's a Christmas party at the paper - what could possibly go wrong.

To my delight the shopping trolley lady is back. If my memory serves me I think she only put in an appearance in a short story previously but she is a great character. In other bit parts Dr Black at the hospital is back. I think he really has been a bit player before and does not have a major role here but the part featuring him is entertaining.

I am a big fan of this series (and the author more widely) and for me this is as good as any of the other books in this series. While there is humour here and some of it very off the wall Caimh does show just what a talented writer he is for me as well as his ability to do "serious" writing. Manni's backstory are exceptional well done I think.