The Ultimate Christmas Reading List for Thriller Fans

The holidays are the perfect time to curl up with a book—but not just any book. If you prefer your hot cocoa with a side of danger, and your sleigh bells mixed with suspense, this Christmas reading list is built for you!

These holiday thrillers combine festive settings with jaw-dropping twists, making them the perfect addition to your Christmas reading list.

Operation Kringle by R.D. Brady

Time travel, covert missions, and the fate of humanity—all wrapped in tinsel and snowfall. A single mom becomes an unlikely hero when a man from the future crashes into her life just days before Christmas. It’s heartfelt, pulse-pounding, and unlike any holiday story you’ve read.

The Shining Girls by Lauren Beukes

A time-hopping killer targets women across decades—but one survivor fights back. While not holiday-themed, the wintry atmosphere and relentless pacing make it a thrilling December read.

The Stupidest Angel by Christopher Moore

A bizarre, darkly funny Christmas thriller featuring a botched miracle, a dead Santa, and a town that spirals into chaos. Gory, wild, and weirdly festive.

Hercule Poirot’s Christmas by Agatha Christie

The classic locked-room murder gets a seasonal twist as Poirot investigates a Christmas Eve killing in a snowed-in mansion. It’s vintage suspense with holiday trimmings.

Snowblind by Ragnar Jónasson

Set in a remote Icelandic village blanketed by snow, this chilling mystery explores secrets, isolation, and a rising body count—perfect for a cold winter night.

The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox (for balance)

If your TBR needs a palate cleanser between murders, this light holiday read adds warmth, twin-swapping antics, and Christmas baking.

From action-packed to psychologically intense, this Christmas reading list ensures your holidays are anything but boring. Whether you're reading by firelight or hiding from in-laws, these thrillers will keep your heart racing.

Ready to start? Add Operation Kringle to your Christmas reading list and discover why this holiday thriller is fast becoming a seasonal obsession.