Take stories detailing all the nastiest parts of human behavior, from theft to murder to mayhem, throw in some of the “lesser” darkness that humans can provide during the holidays, and assemble them into one volume—welcome to Bloody Christmas.

These stories, dark and vicious, form the perfect antidote to the holiday season’s sugary sweetness. So, consider this the savory part of the holidays for those whose reading tastes get darker in the darkest part of the year.

As Alfred Hitchcock used to say, read these stories with the lights on—and the doors locked, curtains drawn, and protective gear at hand. One never knows what lurks in the darkness.

Includes:

“Asking For It” by C.H. Hung

“Some Folks Just Need Killin’” by Lauryn Christopher

“A Crafty Affair” by Bonnie Elizabeth

“A Hidden Gift” by Meyari McFarland

“The Perfect Gift” by Robert Cutchin

“Why Don’t You Make Gingerbread?” by Dayle A. Dermatis

“A Killer Party” by Annie Reed

“Wild Nights and New Roads” by Lisa Silverthorne

“Sister Silence Night” by Michael Warren Lucas

“Bobo” by Ron Collins

“Christmas Dessert” by Juliet Nordeen