Three sisters and their husbands have gathered at their parents house to celebrate one last Christmas together as their father has a fatal illness. Sacha is married to Neil who is dealing with depression and the couple’s infertility problems. He didn’t want to go; he doesn’t feel accepted by her family and is, in fact, treated abominably by the brothers-in-law. Of course his own behavior and over drinking doesn’t help. When his body is found at the bottom of a cliff, the authorities wonder if it was an accident, suicide, or something nefarious. This is the beginning of the even more unraveling of family unity and secrets.

Don’t let the title of this novel mislead you….no cozy holiday read this! There are some tough topics here including terminal cancer, depression and alcoholism. The story doesn’t really revolve around Christmas except that the holiday gives the opportunity for the dysfunctional family to gather together.

Told from three POVs, the story is soapy, cliched, full of despicable people, and I couldn’t put it down. The author drew me in and wouldn’t let me go until I finished the book. I read this as an ARC and had one problem with a timeline…perhaps that will be cleared up in the printed edition.

By the way, this novel made me even more thankful than I already am for being an only child! ( )

"Last Christmas" by Maria Frankland is a page-turning psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. Frankland masterfully weaves a complex web of suspense, mystery, and chilling twists, leaving you guessing until the last page.

The characters in this novel are brilliantly crafted, each with secrets and hidden agendas. Frankland's ability to create such well-developed and intriguing characters is genuinely commendable. As the story unfolds, the reader is drawn deeper into their lives, relationships, and darkest secrets.

The plot is gripping and filled with unexpected turns. When you think you have everything figured out, Frankland throws another curveball that will leave you guessing and questioning everything you thought you knew.

Simply put, wow, Frankland's book was fantastic, in my opinion. It is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and domestic thrillers. Prepare to be enthralled, captivated, and thoroughly entertained by this gripping tale of secrets, lies, and the darkness that lurks beneath the surface. Highly recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for allowing me to read and review this book. ( )