Christmas Lights, Watching Eyes

Christmas Under Threat

Written by Maggie K. Black

Narrated by Abby Craden

Series: Unsolved Case Files

Published by Love Inspired Suspense   Harlequin Audio    HarperCollins

Release Date: 11.25.25

Genre: Christian Mystery & Suspense

5 Stars!

Snow. Silence. And that small tightening in the chest that tells you something isn’t right. That’s how Christmas Under Threat began for me … a quiet chill that settled in and stayed close. Maggie K. Black writes danger with such clear edges that every moment felt watched, and I found myself listening with a kind of alertness I wasn’t expecting.

Patrick and his son moved through the early scenes with a tenderness that met me unexpectedly, stirring something deep before the danger even took shape. And Gemma Locke steps into their unraveling with a calm strength … the kind of steadiness that feels rooted in prayer and lived experience. The three of them move through a winter world where Christmas lights glow warm and bright, yet something in the background keeps the air sharp. That mix of beauty and threat made hope feel even more needed.

The pacing matched the story perfectly. No rush. No drift. Just a steady pull that kept my heart leaning forward. I could almost feel the cold at the edges of the scenes, the kind that makes you brace a little. Even the quiet moments carried weight; the atmosphere shifted, and I could sense the danger tightening before anyone spoke.

The faith moments meant a lot to me. Simple. Honest. The kind of trust you reach for when fear brushes close and you need the Lord to steady your breath. Those gentle threads of faith anchored the story in a way that felt real and needed.

Abby Craden’s narration brought everything forward with clarity … the emotion, the urgency, the tenderness in the middle of the danger. She made the story feel close enough to touch. And the presence of the son… and the dog… added warmth in all the right places.

This story felt like walking through a Christmas night where the snow shines bright, yet something out there keeps you alert. A search. A plea. A determination to protect what matters.

For listeners who want a winter suspense shaped by heart, steady faith, real danger, and characters worth caring about, this story delivers in a meaningful way.

I received a digital audio ARC of this book from HarperCollins via NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this review are my own. I focused on its faithfulness to Christian themes, the writing style, the pacing, the characterization, and the quality of the narration, ensuring transparency and reliability.