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Secret Santa
Secret Santa | Andrew Shaffer
61 posts | 44 read | 28 to read
The Office meets Stephen King, dressed up in holiday tinsel, in this fun, festive, and frightening horror-comedy set during the horror publishing boom of the 80s, by New York Times best-selling satirist Andrew Shaffer. Out of work for months, Lussi Meyer is desperate to work anywhere in publishing. Prestigious Blackwood-Patterson isnt the perfect fit, but a bizarre set of circumstances leads to her hire and a firm mandate: Lussi must find the next horror superstar to compete with Stephen King, Anne Rice, and Peter Straub. Its the 80s, after all, and horror is the hottest genre. But as soon as she arrives, Lussi finds herself the target of her co-workers' mean-spirited pranks. The hazing reaches its peak during the companys annual Secret Santa gift exchange, when Lussi receives a demonic-looking object that she recognizes but doesn't understand. Suddenly, her coworkers begin falling victim to a series of horrific accidents akin to a George Romero movie, and Lussi suspects that her gift is involved. With the help of her former author, the flamboyant Fabien Nightingale, Lussi must track down her anonymous Secret Santa and figure out the true meaning of the cursed object in her possession before it destroys the companyand her soul.
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review
LibraryCin
Secret Santa | Andrew Shaffer
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Mehso-so

This was ok. Maybe a bit creepy, but I didn‘t think all that much. It just wasn‘t really all too exciting for me. I didn‘t find the characters all that interesting, either. It was definitely 80s, though! There was a little bit of humour at the start, but I didn‘t find the funny lasted throughout the book – at least it didn‘t seem to for me.

review
Staci
Secret Santa | Andrew Shaffer
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Mehso-so

To me it wasn't much of a comedy or a horror but it did start to get good in chapter 25.

review
OutsmartYourShelf
Secret Santa | Andrew Shaffer
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Pickpick

Ever since Lussi Meyer lost her job in a restructuring of the publishing house where she worked, she has been desperate to find another. Last hope is prestigious, yet decidedly staid, Blackwood-Patterson. Still beggars can't be choosers & Lussi vows to knock them dead. Literally as it turns out, when old Mr Blackwood keels over during the interview. Still at least Lussi manages to get a job out of the tragic situation (continued)

OutsmartYourShelf however, her colleagues are a strange lot. At the office Secret Santa gift exchange, Lussi is surprised to see a gift with her name on it, but when she opens it, it's a small demonic looking doll, a percht - similar to one that she remembers her grandmother owning. It's an odd gift but never mind, but then accidents start happening to her colleagues, & Lussi becomes convinced that the doll is behind them. 4mo
OutsmartYourShelf This was a quick, fun read set in the 1980s. I enjoyed it although it was a little tame for a horror read & personally I thought some elements such as the doll were underused. If you like your horror to not take itself too seriously rather than being dark & ominous, then you'll probably like this one. 3.5 stars (rounded up)

TWs: murder, death, blood.

Full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3690726856
Read 8-10th Dec 2023
4mo
See All 7 Comments
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 4mo
DieAReader 🥳🥳🥳 4mo
BookmarkTavern Saw this cover and immediately thought of Goosebumps. 😅 4mo
Catsandbooks 🍭❄️❤️ 4mo
24 likes7 comments
blurb
Magpiegem
Secret Santa | Andrew Shaffer
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Ooh I loved this one! Set in a 1980s publishing house this was a comic horror that kept me smirking the whole way through. Witty and creepy with a Christmasy edge, What a combo! Not that many words for #wintergames #wgwordsearch but a lot of fun none the less! Currently free with audible plus.

20 likes1 stack add
review
StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego
Secret Santa | Andrew Shaffer
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Mehso-so

I wasn't sure what to expect, it wasn't bad. Hit the spot for a holiday read, but not as creepy or gory as I would have liked.

Q84 And here I was not interested because it was horror🤣 5mo
StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego @Q84 Yeah it's very mild on the horror, imo. I think the author was trying funny, campy, horror. It is the same guy who wrote 5mo
75 likes2 comments
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Nessavamusic
Secret Santa | Andrew Shaffer
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#WinterGames Photo Challenge Day 3 prompt: Santa

This is a very funny Christmas horror book!
Team #SnowAngels
@emilymdxn @kwmg40 @texreader @5feet.of.fury @sblbooks @msradiosilence @cogsofencouragement

Emilymdxn I really want to read this one! 5mo
30 likes1 comment
blurb
OutsmartYourShelf
Secret Santa | Andrew Shaffer
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From my TBR list this Christmas, Day 3 of the #WinterGamesDailyPhotoChallenge is Secret Santa, a comedy/horror read. #Santa

#WinterGames #HollyJollyReaders @Laughterhp

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Magpiegem
Secret Santa | Andrew Shaffer
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Starting a little early with Christmas reads this year because I have so many I want to get too! Even though it means I will miss out on #wintergames points for them. I‘m covering a lot of genres this Christmas. Starting with horror!

review
Michael_Gee
Secret Santa | Andrew Shaffer
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Pickpick

Read for our January horror book club. The cover is so good (and satisfyingly true to the book) that it seems impossible for the actual book to be good, but I was pleasantly surprised. Lussi is a tough and likable MC, the plot is engaging, and it is at times laugh-out-loud funny. A fun Christmas horror novel about publishing in the 80s + an evil German doll. What‘s not to like? 🎁

KathyWheeler I really enjoyed this book. 1y
25 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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allureofbeauty
Secret Santa | Andrew Shaffer
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Pickpick

Recently read with my boyfriend. I‘d been saving it for the holiday season. I liked it but it still didn‘t quite hit the spot for what I think I was looking for.

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Eggbeater
Secret Santa | Andrew Shaffer
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Pickpick

Horror is the only kind of Christmas book I like. This is a humorous homage to the 80s horror genre. It is very funny and clever. I really felt like I was in 1986.

britt_brooke This is a fun one! If you don‘t follow Shaffer on Instagram, I highly recommend it. He‘s funny! 1y
57 likes1 comment
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IamIamIam
Secret Santa | Andrew Shaffer
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Pickpick

Such a fun book! Strange things start happening at an old publishing house after Lussi ends up with a senior editor position. It felt a little like Critters but lots of fun, especially revisiting 1980s NYC and I always appreciate a Long Island nod, of which I had a few. 😁🎄🐀😈

vivastory I read this a couple years ago over the holidays and really enjoyed it! 1y
IamIamIam @vivastory 👏👏👏 1y
30 likes2 comments
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magyklyXdelish
Secret Santa | Andrew Shaffer
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Pickpick

I had a lot of fun with this one. Short and sweet. Only knock I had was the epilogue. I‘m not sure how I feel about it. But everything before then was perfect.

review
BookDragonNotWorm
Secret Santa | Andrew Shaffer
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Pickpick

Mysterious injuries, death, and book publishing? Sign me up!

I'm not going to lie, this one was a little weird - not that that's a bad thing! Overall, it kept my attention and I enjoyed it.

EvieBee The Office meets Stephen King?! 1y
42 likes1 comment
blurb
magyklyXdelish
Secret Santa | Andrew Shaffer
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Bought this last spring and I‘ve been waiting until December to read it! Enjoying the snow falling at work and cozying up to this. Pretty good so far; definitely quirky.

22 likes1 stack add
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Nessavamusic
Secret Santa | Andrew Shaffer
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#ScarathlonDailyPrompts Oct 15 #Secret

This is such a fun little horror book, good for spooky season or winter holiday time!

#Scarathlon2022 #TeamMonsterMash

34 likes1 stack add
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allureofbeauty
Secret Santa | Andrew Shaffer
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Some recent (over numerous trips) Goodwill finds.

#usedbooks #goodwill #goodwillbooks

review
BarbaraTheBibliophage
Secret Santa | Andrew Shaffer
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Pickpick

I‘m a holiday reading #rebel. Reading schmaltzy books doesn‘t do it for me. But this little horror novella gave me the holiday vibes along with plenty of weird and creepy elements. Also includes some commentary on the 1980s greed culture and publishing in general.

Perfect palate cleanser!!

Full review https://www.TheBibliophage.com
#thebibliophage2021

melissanorr There was an anthology called Never Fear - Christmas Terrors with 20+ holiday horror short stories published a few years ago. In case anyone is looking for that sort of thing. 2y
BarbaraTheBibliophage @melissanorr Cool! I‘ll have to look for it! 2y
67 likes2 comments
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babyruth2510
Secret Santa | Andrew Shaffer
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Pickpick

4⭐️. This little book was fun. I wanted to end the year with something easy and fun and this delivered. A secret Santa gift turns out to have supernatural powers. The book had humor, pop culture references and just enough horror to make me read it cover to cover in just a couple hours.

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BookwormOfTheDamned
Secret Santa | Andrew Shaffer
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Pickpick

Here's my Youtube book review for "Secret Santa!"

https://youtu.be/IwmnNyO7tj4

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DGRachel
Secret Santa | Andrew Shaffer
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Pickpick

I don‘t know what possessed me, but I had enough Kobo points to get the ebook for free and made it my Christmas Eve read. Not a good idea to read right before bed - it‘s kind of campy, with some fun 80s references, but just enough to distract you and let the horror really seep under your skin. I will have nightmares.

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TheReadingRaccoon
Secret Santa | Andrew Shaffer
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Pickpick

Fun holiday themed horror-comedy about a powerful entity and an 80‘s woman trying to succeed in New York publishing. Lots of irreverent humor and thrills.

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babyruth2510
Secret Santa | Andrew Shaffer
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Thank you thank you @kamoorephoto ! I am so excited to read these. You are too kind. I think I‘ll pick up the secret Santa book first. The creepy eyes on the cover are calling my name.
#jolabokaflod

Merry Christmas!🎄🎁

DinoMom Secret Santa was a fun read! 2y
kamoorephoto Hope you enjoy all the Seattle chocolate…and the wildly different books. I‘ve been wanting to read Secret Santa (your surprise) and then I saw the other one pop up on your list. Happy Christmas (Eve)! Merry #Jolabokaflod! 🎄📚 2y
babyruth2510 @kamoorephoto I tried the champagne chocolate and loved it. Little bubbles of goodness! 2y
27 likes3 comments
review
Nessavamusic
Secret Santa | Andrew Shaffer
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Pickpick

This was a ton of fun, holiday horror. Great audiobook, voiced by the always excellent Andi Arndt. Another #averymerrybingo 20 points
590 points #wgwordsearch
25 holiday read
#mistletoemaniacs #wintergames2021

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vivastory
Secret Santa | Andrew Shaffer
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While watching a Book Tube video of Holiday Horror Book Recommendations, one of the titles mentioned was Shaffer's. In the video it was described as “if Stephen King wrote an episode of the Office.“ I read this one last year on Xmas Day. #bows #wishesandgreetings @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Eggs

LeahBergen I have this one but haven‘t got around to it yet. 2y
TrishB This looks good - but expensive here for such a short read. 2y
Eggs 💚🤍💚 2y
67 likes3 comments
review
Gissy
Secret Santa | Andrew Shaffer
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Pickpick

It is suppose to be an horror novel but it is not, at least not for me, no scared at all. It has some mild gory scenes with absurd scenes, and morbid, sarcastic, funny humor. I enjoyed it. It mentions some references about known books, music and movies in a funny way. 3⭐️
December 2021 #BookSpin @ TheAromaOfBooks
#AnyWayYouReadathon @kimmypete1 @Eggbeater @MidnightBookGirl

42 likes1 stack add
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aperfectmjk
Secret Santa | Andrew Shaffer
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Pickpick

Finished this one today. A very different tale for Christmas. Not the best tale of horror, but I appreciate that it's not another holiday romance. I found 59 words for 590 points #WGWordsearch.

#WinterGames2021 #TeamGameSleighers @StayCurious

TheSpineView Fantastic! 2y
Jadams89 🎅🏻🎁🎄🎉👍🏻 2y
See All 7 Comments
keys_on_fire Keep up the great work! 2y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 2y
aperfectmjk @Jadams1776 using prompt 19 for this one. 2y
StayCurious It's so great that you are finding alternative christmas reads 2y
33 likes7 comments
review
j9brown
Secret Santa | Andrew Shaffer
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Pickpick

Very silly but fun! I enjoyed the main character and the time period.

26pts holiday read #wintergames #teamgamesleighers @StayCurious
500 pts #wgwordsearch

33 likes1 stack add
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FantasyChick
Secret Santa | Andrew Shaffer
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Pickpick

This was just plain fun. It reminded me of the old Tales from the Cryptkeeper stories.

5hrs
#HolidayRead :25pts
#WGWordSearch : 590pts

Total points: 965

AVeryMerryBingo @Jadams1776
Bookspinbingo @Thearomaofbooks
Winter cozy @Puddlejumper
AVeryMerryReadathon @Thespineview
Adventathon @Ozma.of.oz
Wrapitupreadathon @keys_on_fire
Littenlisten @aperfectmjk

#WinterGames2021 #MistletoeManiacs @Clwojick

BookmarkTavern I almost thought this was a Goosebumps cover! 😂 2y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 2y
Jadams89 🎄🎁🎉👍🏻 2y
keys_on_fire Stacking!! Looks festively creepy 🤣 2y
27 likes2 stack adds4 comments
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Reagan
Secret Santa | Andrew Shaffer
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Going to decorate the tree tonight, and after finishing such a heavy book and being midway through Betty, I decided to get festive and start Secret Santa. One thing I love is Christmas based horror 🎅 🩸

Any recommendations in this kind of specific genre haha?

review
BeeMagical
Secret Santa | Andrew Shaffer
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Mehso-so

Book 133🎧
Pete the cat is short and cute!🎄
Secret Santa was good - heavy on the German lore which was cool! Weird little doll from war times starts creating chaos around the office.. but why now!?😱

#WinterGames #MistletoeManiacs
@Clwojick @aperfectmjk #LittensListen #Readathon

Todays Points: 126 + 5 pts (Alaskan bush people🎄)

Total Points: 277

aperfectmjk Secret Santa is on my TBR this year also. 2y
29 likes1 comment
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MaleficentBookDragon
Secret Santa | Andrew Shaffer
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All non continental US matches have been sent for the #jolabokaflodswap.
I hope to have all the US ones sent by Monday. Thank you for you patience.
We have almost 200 participants this year!!!! I'm so happy you all love this swap as much as I do (I signed up for 5 matches).

LeahBergen Yay!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 2y
TrishB Got mine 😁😁 2y
StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego 200! Wow. Thank you for all your hard work. ,❤️📖🍫 2y
See All 8 Comments
Aims42 Thank you SO MUCH for organizing this awesome swap!! 🤩 2y
MittenGirlPeach I have mine! 2y
Cupcake12 Received my email, thank you for organising x 2y
Gissy I have mine too! 🤗 2y
batsy Thank you! Got mine 🙂 2y
64 likes8 comments
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guinsgirlreads
Secret Santa | Andrew Shaffer
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Thank you TONS @bookish_wookish for this #littlechristmasswap package! Not only did you put your time and effort into hosting, but you stepped up and filled in voids from others on your own too! You‘re an amazing person! 💕

Anyway I love love love all of this! ❤️🤗

#lcs

bookish_wookish So glad you love it! I hope you like the sweedish fish! Theyre all different colors! 😃 3y
guinsgirlreads @bookish_wookish Oh my, I just had to open them! I didn‘t even realize that‘s what it was yet! 🙌🏻😚 3y
bookish_wookish Yes! My candy shop doesnt sell they pre-packaged so i had to get them from the counter and they put them in the box! 3y
LeahBergen Those candies look wonderful! 3y
42 likes4 comments
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LibrarianRyan
Secret Santa | Andrew Shaffer
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Mehso-so

3 ⭐ I liked the idea of a haunted or cursed publisher who must appease a doll or dry trying was interesting, but not what I was expecting. I expected a bit more Christmas or holiday to be honest. You could take this book and set it at a birthday or a staff training day and still get the same story. . There was so much chugging along, and then the end was ramrodded in. Overall i did like this book, but I‘ll never read it again.

review
Lauranahe
Secret Santa | Andrew Shaffer
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Pickpick

This was a fun, quick read! (It‘s just over 200 pages). In the 80s, Lussi gets a new job at a publisher. But when she gets a secret Santa gift that from seemingly no one, and people start dying, she has to figure out what‘s going on. Super fun, love the 80s references!

22 likes1 stack add
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DinoMom
Secret Santa | Andrew Shaffer
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I love everything about my #creepychristmas package! Thank you so much @BookishTrish . You spoiled me❤️ A millions times thank you for stuff for my son , that was so thoughtful and he loves it! He already has put his money in the monster pouch!

Thank you @teebe for organizing this swap!

BookishTrish Wonderful! I‘m glad he felt included xo 3y
teebe Looks great! That dinosaur book is so cute 3y
LeahBergen The Drumheller book looks amazing! 3y
See All 7 Comments
FantasyChick I have been seeing Secret Santa everywhere today! Got to get myself a copy for next year! 3y
DinoMom @FantasyChick I started it as soon as I opened it and finished in one sitting. It was really cute and I enjoyed it. 3y
DinoMom @BookishTrish just finished the Chalkman . Thanks for the great book pick. I enjoyed it! 3y
BookishTrish Glad you liked it! Xx 3y
39 likes7 comments
review
MidnightBookGirl
Secret Santa | Andrew Shaffer
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Pickpick

This was delightfully sinister, hilarious and pure evil- and that's just the takedown of the publishing industry! Add in a creepy building, secret society, possessed dolls, and career climbing, throw in some Christmas, and you have a quirky, demented classic! #WinterGames2020 #MerryReaders @Clwojick

54 likes1 stack add
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ericarobynreads
Secret Santa | Andrew Shaffer
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Pickpick

Secret Santa by Andrew Shaffer is a twisted tale about the dark secrets that are being covered up in a failing publishing house.

If you‘re looking for a spooky tale set in an office around Christmas that will keep you on your toes, then this is the book for you!

https://www.ericarobynreads.com/book-review-secret-santa-by-andrew-shaffer/

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bthegood
Secret Santa | Andrew Shaffer
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Pickpick

Really enjoyed this. It is out of Quirk Books, second book I've read from them...I like how they think😊

#WinterGames2020 #TeamReadNosedReindeer #CrushTheRush #ReadYourWay #WinterSolstice @StayCurious @Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick @TheSpineView @Bookgoil

TheSpineView 👍📖📚 3y
Bookgoil Oo fun and creepy 3y
13 likes2 comments
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Godpants
Secret Santa | Andrew Shaffer
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Pickpick

Merry Xmas everyone! This year it doesn‘t really feel Xmas-y since we didn‘t get to see my family, and seeing my niece and new nephew enjoying Christmas would‘ve been amazing, so it helped a bit to read this holiday horror comedy.

19 likes2 stack adds
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MaleficentBookDragon
Secret Santa | Andrew Shaffer
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Pickpick

This was a fun and creepy Christmas story.

vivastory I'm reading this one today 3y
DinoMom This was a fun read! 3y
78 likes2 comments
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bthegood
Secret Santa | Andrew Shaffer
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Chrissyreadit Happy Holidays! 🌲❤️🎄 3y
TheSpineView And Happy Holidays to you and yours!😍🎄🎅🎁 3y
Bookgoil Hope you enjoy! 3y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! 3y
12 likes4 comments
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MidnightBookGirl
Secret Santa | Andrew Shaffer
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Lots of great reads yesterday! Secret Santa was demonically funny (and set in the publishing world!), It's A Wonderful Wife was a great take on It's a Wonderful Life, and I LOVED Eight Winter Nights. Happy Christmas Eve to all! #WinterGames2020 #MerryReaders @Clwojick 881 pts

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bthegood
Secret Santa | Andrew Shaffer
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Mitch I need to check out that episode! 🌟👍🏼🌟 3y
TheSpineView 🤩🎄🎞 3y
Bookgoil I love cartoons! 3y
bthegood @Mitch @Bookgoil it is a very funny spoof on Hallmark holiday movies🎄☃️ 3y
15 likes4 comments
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Godpants
Secret Santa | Andrew Shaffer
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I didn‘t think my hold would come available in time, but I‘m very excited to read this holiday horror before the big day. Sorry TBR pile this just leapt to the front of the list.

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bthegood
Secret Santa | Andrew Shaffer
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Points for #WinterGames2020 #TeamReadNosedReindeer @staycurious
TBR (2)= 30
#teambuddyread=50
Participation= 8
#christmasornamenthunt = 50
Holiday shows (5)=25
#teammovie=25
Readathons #CrushTheRush #ReadYourWay @Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick @TheSpineView
25 hours= 500
Total week 3 688
Total so far 1526
🌲⛄

TheSpineView Excellant! 🤩🎄📚 3y
bthegood @TheSpineView thx for the readathon motivation👍⛄ 3y
TheSpineView @bthegood You're welcome! 😊 3y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick That's a great week!! 3y
14 likes4 comments
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ShelleyBooksie
Secret Santa | Andrew Shaffer
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Pickpick

Although there is not much that is actually Christmas related about this book, it was an interesting story that hooked me from the beginning.

LeahBergen I want to read this one. It sounds fun! 😆 3y
18 likes1 comment
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ShelleyBooksie
Secret Santa | Andrew Shaffer
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@Bookishlie , @Texreader , @Crazeedi , @jdiehr, @shellleigh33 , @Bookish.SAM , @Lollymya , @EclecticBookLover - thank you so much for the amazing Christmas cards! They are truly a bright spot in my day ♡

Crazeedi 💞☃️💟 3y
15 likes1 comment
review
britt_brooke
Secret Santa | Andrew Shaffer
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Eighties horror satire set in a dark, ominous publishing house. My cool-ass book club chose this for December. Who needs cheesy holiday romance when you can have a creepy murder doll and pointy shoulder pads? We had a lot fun with the 80s references and Shaffer‘s funny one-liners. All the publishing weirdos are quirky and unreliable. Kept us guessing. I loved the intentionally cliched prologue and foreboding epilogue. A good time!

Cathythoughts Brilliant pic ✨ 3y
LeahBergen I was eyeing this book and your review has made me “need” it. 😆 3y
See All 13 Comments
ladym30 Great photo!❤️ 3y
britt_brooke @LeahBergen 😂 It‘s quick, easy entertainment. Hope you‘ll enjoy! 3y
britt_brooke @ladym30 Thank you! 3y
KathyWheeler You apparently have a reading taste similar to mine. I know I checked out Here For It based on one of your posts, but I forgot I‘d bought Secret Santa (which I loved) based on this post. 😊 (edited) 3y
britt_brooke @KathyWheeler 👯‍♀️ Makes me happy! 3y
FantasyChick Sounds like something I need to read! 3y
batsy @LeahBergen Same! 😆 3y
batsy Fab review and photo! 3y
britt_brooke @batsy Thank you! 🤗 3y
91 likes8 stack adds13 comments