In the Wake of Winter Danger

Deadly Christmas Trap

Written by Lynette Eason

Narrated by Cindy Kay

Series: Dakota K-9 Unit

Published by Love Inspired Suspense   Harlequin Audio    HarperCollins

Release Date: 11.25.25

Genre: Christian Mystery & Suspense

5 Stars!

Deadly Christmas Trap opens with danger already pressing in, and Lynette Eason brings that intensity forward with a precision that kept me fully engaged from the start. Cheyenne Chen is the kind of character I love to walk beside: steady, thoughtful, and quietly braver than she knows. Jack Donadio, with his loyal K-9 partner at his side, steps into the story with a determination that feels grounded and sincere.

The pacing is strong, and I appreciated the way Eason layers fear, loyalty, unresolved emotion, and the fragile hope of a second chance inside a plot that never loosens its grip. Each scene is intentional, and the suspense builds cleanly without losing sight of the characters’ humanity. The faith elements are woven with sincerity … offering truth and quiet reminders that God walks beside His people in every moment, including when the pressure builds and danger draws near.

The atmosphere is vivid, too: a winter landscape wrapped in shadows and threat, with pockets of warmth that rise from courage, connection, and the determination to protect what matters. I loved how immersive the descriptions were… the chase, the uncertainty, the intensity of being hunted. It truly read like a one-setting, uninterrupted whirlwind, with Jack’s K-9 partner adding a guarded presence amid the danger.

And the narration is outstanding. Cindy Kay delivers the story with such emotional clarity that each chapter feels alive. She brings definition to fear, exhaustion, bravery, and quiet tenderness without ever overshadowing the story itself. Her performance carries natural intensity where needed and softens at just the right moments, making this audiobook an absorbing and compelling listen.

For readers who appreciate Christmas stories wrapped in suspense, danger threaded with conviction, and characters who choose courage when the pressures mount, this novella offers a gripping and deeply engaging experience.

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.