Thanks to Netgalley for inviting me to read this book. I loved it, it's a cozy read for Christmas time even the dark themes sometimes. I did not see the twist coming until almost the end, so great job.
It's going to be a great Christmas present for my friends when it comes out, they are going to really like it.

Rather lightweight and not what I would instantly describe as a thriller. This short(ish) book could have done with more work on just how some of the incidents could have taken place without a single witness in sight. Sorry, did not do a lot for me.
However, my thanks to NetGally and Michael Joseph Penquin Random House for this arc in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Great story. Relatively short but packed full of action, mystery, twists and turns..

Excellent storyline.
Keeps you guessing right to the end.
Thoroughly enjoyable.
Thanks for the opportunity to read and review

When Mark Edwards announced a new magpies book, I was excited and this one did not disappoint! Mark Edwards captured the Christmas atmosphere so perfectly, I felt like I was there.

Of course it wouldn’t be a magpies book without the return of the dark angel herself, Lucy, is probably one of my favourite villains and it’s good to see she’s as unhinged as ever.

This is quite a fast paced, twisty thriller that I read in one day. I did manage to guess the reveal but only right before it happened so nothing was ruined.

This is the perfect blend of festive cheer and creepy suspense. An absolute must read, for anyone searching for a thriller this Christmas.

Thank you to Mark Edwards, the publishers and net galley for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review

A great read and gripping. For sequel books, it would be really helpful if there could be a brief synopsis from earlier books. I think it would help readers to get into the book quicker. I struggled initially because of this.

Dani and Noel have just moved into their new home, and they are hoping that their first Christmas there will be special. They have met a couple of their new neighbours, who appear to be very friendly. As Christmas is approaching, Dani and Noel are told that the street usually hosts a switch on of all the Christmas lights of each house on the same day, which becomes a get together of all the neighbours. Although Dani and Noel are not used to every house putting up Christmas lights, or all turning them on at the same time, they think it will be a good idea as a chance to meet everyone. The community seems to be amicable and welcoming, apart from one man, Justin, who although not unfriendly, has little to say, and appears quite abrupt. Another neighbour tells Noel that Justin is a prison guard at the nearby prison which houses a notorious serial killer, Lucy Newton, but Justin will never discuss any of the inmates.
Dani and Noel prepare to settle in and enjoy their new house, but then strange packages start to appear on their doorstep. The first one could be thought of as a harmless prank, but the second and third show intimate knowledge of Dani, things that their new neighbours couldn't know. Then their house is burgled, and at a Christmas party, a death occurs.
This is a gripping thriller, full of tension and a real page turner, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I read it at one sitting, I couldn't wait to find out the ending.
Thank you for my advance copy.

4* Great that I grabbed this for the author's name only, and therefore had no clue about the excellent little tale.

Hmm. Where to start with this one? Who's the bad guy or gal? The OTT headteacher and residents' association head? The slightly weird prison guard? The retired neighbour who seems innocuous but knows a lot about others' business? Lucy, the multiple murderer? A creepy porcelain doll au Chucky? There's so many to choose from an an element of 'uh, let's not go there, as it's simpli too weird to contemplate'. And it's pretty well done, though it's hard to fathom how and why someone seemingly normal can be so sick and twisted.

A really good short read that'll make you glad you've got a Ring doorbell. And contents insurance.

ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Pemguin Michael Joseph for my reading pleasure.

It’s never too early to get into the Christmas spirit! Plus my Christmas came early when I was sent a link to this eARC. Psychopaths, Secret Santa’s and a new neighbourhood- what more could you want?! I loved the psychopath next door and I have the magpie series on my list of books to read next- Mark Edwards is a v talented author. A short, not sweet, but a thrilling and enjoyable read.

Finally a new magpie story I love this series and the Lucy Newton story being interwoven with the story of a young couple moving into their first home on a street named after the infamous murderer. As odd secret Santa presents start arriving and in prison Lucy has a secret penpal are the couple safe? This is a fun novella which does not disapoint and hopefully means maybe more Magpie books in the future?

A well written and enjoyable novella by Mark Edwards. The characters were interesting and reminded me of when I lived in a cul de sac and there was one person who organised everything! It kept my interest and I would recommend.

This book was very short, so much so, I felt it didn't give itself time to build up a decent momentum.
It was enjoyable enough, but I prefer some of the authors other work.
Not hugely creepy, but I definitely had questions about what on earth was going on.
I felt the Christmasy vibes, even when reading an advance copy in the middle of a heatwave.
If you're after a quick festive read, it ticks the box.

A light and festive read.

For Dani and Noel this will be their first Christmas living together in their brand new house. When they move in they are soon met by Linda, the chair of the residence association who briefs them on the expectations for festive decorations and even pops in a leaflet explaining how to tastefully decorate. Bemused by her suggestions, Dani and Noel are determined to have the best Christmas ever...a plan which is soon derailed.

It all begins with the first gift that is left on their doorstep - perhaps the contents was just a mistake or a practical joke? But the idea of an error is soon wiped out by the arrival of gift numbers 2 and 3. And when things that are mentioned casually in conversation with the neighbours keep cropping up Noel begins to wonder just what exactly is going on.

Just down the road is an open prison. Lucy Newton, notorious multiple murderer who the press dubbed 'The Magpie' has been moved to the prison as part of an experiment to reform her. However, Lucy is not for being reformed. She has learnt to hide her psychosis and to appear to be the model prisoner...but then an opportunity to write and direct the prison Christmas play pops up and suddenly Lucy finds she has been given the chance to cause mayhem. And just who is the Secret Santa sending her the Christmas Cards that bear a suspicious resemblance to Dani and Noel's house...

This is an extremely short book that spends a long time on build up and next to no time on wrapping it all up in a pretty bow. I burned through this book in 24 hours it was so quick to read. The story is light and festive but I'm not sure I'd call it a psychological thriller - to me it wasn't that thrilling. The reveal was clever as I hadn't suspected the person at all - however, quite a lot of time is dedicated to making other people seem really suspicious so it was unsurprising that the perpetrator was a surprise.

If you are looking for something light, frothy and festive with a teeny hint of menace then this is for you - if you want something with a bit more bite then you will be disappointed.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A great shorter read in the Magpie series. I enjoyed the fast pace and characters. Highly recommended for Mark Edwards fans

I'm not sure how much further Mark Edwards can drag out the character of Lucy Newton, a cartoon villain without a single redeeming feature, and the associated "magpie" motif. Here, Lucy's in prison (as she should be) and a new couple, Noel and Dani take centre stage. They find that their new home together is less peaceful than they might have hoped, with taunting "gifts" and random power cuts. It's all quite reminiscent of Lucy Newton, but as mentioned, she's in prison, so...

We also follow Lucy, who's up to shenanigans inside, though it never really comes to much.

This was more of a novella than a novel and indeed the story is fairly thin and the ending silly. It's readable enough and I'm sure Mark Edwards' legions of fans will love it. There's clearly more to come from the magpieverse. But I'm really not sure Lucy has any more mileage left in her.

Thanks for the opportunity to read and review!

Dani and Noel are a nice young couple, deeply in love and preparing to enjoy the first Christmas in their new home in a pleasant suburb. Mildly concerned about the area's proximity to a women's prison that holds some notorious prisoners - ostensibly for rehabilitation processes - they nevertheless have reason to believe that the facility is secure enough that they need not worry about problems from that quarter.

Soon after they arrive, strange things begin to happen - unexpected parcels and creepy messages indicate that they are under observation. But who would want to hurt ordinary people like them?

The answer is a surprising one, and Mark Edwards delivers a very enjoyable festive offering which holds the reader's interest throughout. Well plotted and smoothly delivered.

I'm a huge Mark Edwards fan, especially the Magpies books, so when I heard about this addition to the series I was so excited! And it did not disappoint, it was brilliant! Tense, gripping, and keeps you guessing. Fantastic!

Young couple Noel and Dani have recently moved into their new home, just in time for the start of the Christmas season. Welcomed by Linda, the leader of the Residents Association, they are amused, if not a little intimidated, by her very brusque and forthright manner. Keen to keep on Linda’s good side and to get on with all their new neighbours in Nightingale Crescent, they soon join in with the festivities. When things start to go more than a little off kilter, the young couple have numerous theories and thoughts on who might be behind the malicious acts.

Just a few miles away in Franklin Grange open prison for women, resides the infamous and very dangerous Lucy Newton, a woman no one messes with. Living a relatively easy life despite being given a whole life sentence, Lucy, known as the Dark Angel due to her heinous crimes, is becoming increasingly bored. When asked to help adapt A Christmas Carol into a play for her fellow inmates to perform, she finds the answer of how to alleviate her boredom.

The latest book in The Magpies stories, this is a good little follow on to bring readers up to date with the awful Lucy Newton. Edwards has gained a lot of mileage out of this character, and I’m not sure he has finished yet, she’s the gift that keeps on giving!

Very enjoyable, a good one sitting read.

Thank you NetGalley and Michael Joseph Penguin Random House.

Thank you to the publisher for sending me an ARC of this book to read and review on NetGalley

Mark Edwards delivers another spine-tingling thriller in The Christmas Magpie, blending festive cheer with chilling suspense. Set during Noel and Dani's first Christmas in their new home, the novel initially sparkles with domestic bliss—twinkling lights, gift-wrapped anticipation, and a tight-knit neighbourhood. But this idyllic façade quickly frays when disturbing gifts appear uninvited on their doorstep and unsettling gazes suggest they’re not quite as alone as they’d hoped.

The tension mounts with Edwards’ signature skill for psychological unease. As the couple discovers that their neighbours are fixated on a nearby women's prison housing a notorious killer, paranoia begins to swirl like snow in a blizzard. Then—true to Edwards’ gripping style—a tragedy at a holiday party turns their unease into terror.

Clocking in at 240 pages, this lean, fast-paced thriller doesn’t just keep you turning the pages; it practically dares you to stop. The festive setting makes the sinister events all the more jarring—Christmas has never felt so claustrophobic.

If you're a fan of tightly-wound tension, eerie small-town secrets, and holiday horror, The Christmas Magpie is a must-read stocking stuffer… just maybe keep the lights on.

This is the second book I’ve read by Mark Edwards and although it was quite a bit shorter, it was just as brilliant.

I did not see the ending coming at all.

It was a different kind of tale and was most entertaining, if a little disturbing at times.

Cleverly crafted and read in one sitting. Another bonus to it being shorter.

Would make a great Christmas stocking gift.

I definitely need to read more by this author!

This is a creepy thriller set just before Christmas. Noel and Dani have just moved into their first house together. Everything seems perfect. And someone is even sending them presents with love from secret Santa. But these presents are scary and gradually the tension ratchets up as the story flips between their house and the local women’s Open prison where the notorious multi murderer Lucy Newton is incarcerated.

To say more would spoil the plot. Just to say that there are plenty of suspects and that I managed to read this novel in one sitting because I just wanted to get to the end. The author, Mark Edwards, is a very good writer in this genre. I recommend this especially to read December.

I read an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publishers.