In Brad Ricks's To Hell With Hallmark, the idyllic Vermont town of Hallmark, known for its perfect Christmas magic, takes a terrifying turn. Forget cozy fireplaces and heartwarming reunions; this year, Christmas dreams are twisted into nightmares. Witness the clash of festive cheer and sinister forces as a lonely librarian finds romance amidst the chaos, a big-city girl rekindles a forgotten flame, and a secret prince seeks love in an increasingly unsettling atmosphere. But the idyllic façade hides a dark secret: hell itself has invaded Hallmark's Christmas spirit, threatening to destroy the town's cherished traditions and the burgeoning romances within. Prepare for a Christmas story unlike any other.
Review To Hell With Hallmark
"To Hell With Hallmark" by Brad Ricks is a delightfully twisted holiday treat that completely subverted my expectations. Going in, I anticipated a fun, albeit slightly gory, parody of those ubiquitous Hallmark Christmas movies, and I got that...and so much more. It's not just a simple send-up; it's a cleverly crafted anthology where each story subtly intertwines with the others, building a larger, more sinister narrative that unfolds across the festive backdrop of Hallmark, Vermont.
What initially charmed me was Ricks's ability to perfectly capture the saccharine sweetness of a typical Hallmark Christmas – the idyllic small town, the impossibly charming characters, the heartwarming (albeit predictable) romances. He creates this idyllic picture, almost mockingly perfect, and then…he rips it apart. The horror elements are surprisingly well-integrated; they aren't gratuitous, instead serving to heighten the unsettling feeling that something is profoundly wrong beneath the surface of Hallmark's seemingly perfect Christmas cheer. Think "creepy Christmas card" meets "slasher film," but with a healthy dose of darkly comedic wit sprinkled throughout.
The individual stories themselves were consistently engaging. Each had its own unique flavor, ranging from darkly humorous to genuinely unsettling, but they all maintained a surprisingly cohesive tone. While some stories leaned more heavily into the horror, others provided moments of genuine sweetness or surprising emotional depth, making the overall experience incredibly balanced and surprisingly touching despite the macabre elements. The characters, despite their sometimes gruesome fates, felt real and relatable. Even the villains had a certain twisted charisma that made them memorable.
One of the things that particularly impressed me was the interconnectedness of the narratives. It wasn't just a collection of loosely related stories; the author masterfully wove the characters and events together, creating a sense of overarching mystery and suspense that kept me eagerly turning the pages. This intricate plotting added a significant layer of complexity and satisfaction to the reading experience, rewarding those who pay close attention to detail.
While some reviewers mentioned minor editing issues, I personally found them negligible and didn't detract from my enjoyment. Honestly, the quirky imperfections felt almost endearing, adding to the book's overall charm and adding to its feel of a uniquely crafted, independent production. The writing style is sharp, witty, and surprisingly emotive, perfectly balancing the horror and humor.
In short, "To Hell With Hallmark" is a captivating and unexpected Christmas read. It's the perfect antidote to the over-the-top sweetness of traditional holiday fare, offering a refreshing blend of horror, humor, and surprisingly heartfelt moments. Whether you're a fan of Hallmark movies or find them utterly unbearable, this book offers something for everyone. Just be prepared for a Christmas celebration with a decidedly darker twist – and maybe keep a spare gingerbread man handy.
Information
- Dimensions: 5 x 0.52 x 8 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 227
- Publication date: 2024
Book table of contents
- Introduction
- Dimples for the Holidays
- Santa 's Roadside Assistant
- Gingerbread Cookie Throwdown
- No Place More Special
- Christmas with His Parents
- A Prince in Hallmark
- The Girl Who Hates Christmas
- Merry Rock-Mas
- A Christmas Carol
- 0, Christmas Tree
- Epilogue - Friends at a Diner
- A Final Gift From Me To You
- Acknowledgements
Preview Book
