The Midnight Before Christmas

Like homemade eggnog with a bite of something stronger, this Christmas-themed thriller by William Bernhardt (best known for his legal thrillers set in Oklahoma City) introduces several thoroughly miserable characters destined to run afoul on Christmas Eve. Carl, an alcoholic ex-cop and ex-husband, rages against his former wife Bonnie and threatens to kill his 7-year-old son Tommy. The police still regard Carl as one of their own, and they won't listen to Bonnie's complaints of violence. Meanwhile, Megan McGee, a lawyer and ex-Episcopalian priest, is delivering Christmas cookies to the elderly, accompanied only by her unwanted roommate, a smelly and drooling bulldog named Jasper. By the time Bonnie catches up with Megan to get a restraining order on Carl, he has abducted Tommy and disappeared. Now, it's up to Megan to track Tommy down before Carl's bloody rantings become reality. The characters reveal more depth than anticipated from a holiday novel, and the chase is especially disturbing set against the backdrop of a quiet city celebrating peace on earth. For those who enjoy seasonal fiction, this fast-paced dose of Christmas thrills will provide a delicious escape after a busy shopping frenzy.