Twisted Tinsel by Gareth Ellis Review | Fancy a Spooky Christmas…?
Review of advanced copy received from the author.
Quick Details
Title: Twisted Tinsel
Author: Gareth Ellis
Genre: Horror
Book Type: Short Story Collection / Anthology
Pages: 220
Publisher: Self-published
Publication Date: 22 November 2026 (expected)
Synopsis
Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy, family and celebration... but in Twisted Tinsel, every festive tradition hides something far more sinister.
This collection of original horror short stories explores the darker side of the holiday season, from cursed decorations and terrifying folklore to supernatural encounters and psychological nightmares. Each story offers a fresh take on Christmas horror, delivering creepy, unsettling tales that prove even the most festive time of year isn't safe from darkness.
Who I'd Recommend This Book To
Horror fans looking for bite sized reads.
Anyone who enjoys anthology or short story collections.
Readers who love Christmas with a dark twist.
Fans of supernatural and psychological horror.
Readers who enjoy stories similar to Black Mirror, Creepshow or classic horror anthologies.
Review:
Twisted Tinsel is a collection of short horror stories, all taking place around my favourite time of year, Christmas! All unique and unconnected, these original stories creep into every crevice of Christmas and turn it into a horror filled nightmare! 😱
I realised while reading this just how much I enjoy short stories. Every 10-15 pages you're thrown into a completely new nightmare. Some stories left me wishing they were full length novels because I wanted to know even more about what happened before and after the start point.
From an exorcism gone horribly wrong, to callers unknowingly broadcasting their final moments on a late night radio show, to creepy ornamental elves that make you question what's real, there wasn't a single story that felt repetitive.
If you're after something spooky to read during the festive season, I'd definitely recommend adding this one to your Christmas TBR 🎄
Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Twisted Tinsel releases 22nd November 2026.
