Skip to main content
Cover of 12 Ways to Kill Your Family at Christmas
Read

12 Ways to Kill Your Family at Christmas

by Natasha Bache

Rated 3 out of 5Alison's rating

All Olivia wanted was one last miserable Christmas with her husband’s awful family before moving to Australia. She didn’t expect a murder. Now the snow has cut them off and she’s stuck in a stately country hous…

Buy this book
The Messy Reader verdict

A fairly average festive thriller

Reviewed 12 December 2025 messyreaderby messyreader Spoiler free

12 Ways to Kill Your Family at Christmas had all the ingredients for a sharp, darkly comic festive thriller, but for me it never quite delivered on its promise. The plot was predictable, with twists you can spot chapters ahead, and the writing often drifted into the pretentious, prioritising cleverness over clarity or genuine tension.

There were far too many characters, none of whom I found especially likeable or compelling, which made it difficult to invest in anyone?s fate. Their voices blurred together, and I often found myself flipping back to remember who was who.

That said, the idyllic setting was a highlight: atmospheric, cosy, and beautifully drawn. It almost felt like the backdrop belonged to a stronger story.

Overall, it?s not without charm, but it left me feeling a bit flat. A decent read, but not one I?d rush to revisit.

? ? ? A fairly average read...

Review graphic for 12 Ways to Kill Your Family at Christmas
Also on Instagram