Carol of the Bells by Rob Smales

Carol of the Bells Reviews

• 
  Jason Parent

  I generally dislike Christmas horror, but this is by no means "traditional" Christmas horror (or maybe it is, depending how you define "traditional" and if you believe this tradition may have existed). Two travelers go searching for the olden way of celebrating the holiday without all the commercial nonsense. What they find is horror that predates Christ. Recommended
• 
  Elke

  A horror short story featuring old holiday traditions - very old indeed. All Brian and Carol were looking for was a place to celebrate their holiday in the good old-fashioned way, without all the
  commercialized Christmas attire. In a little village they seem to have hit the jackpot, but soon have to find out it just seems to be the other way round. Of course one is suspicious from the start when the villagers seem overly friendly to the young couple, and of course these suspicions are soon confirmed, but it is fun to see how the plot is decked, especially with lots of scary bells. If you like to read a different Christmas story, try this one.
• 
  Rebecca White

  I really enjoyed this short story. There is something eerie in and of itself about a desolate village in Europe but then add in the ominous villagers? Chilling. Perfect read if you are looking for a horror Christmas story.
• 
  RP Madison

  There's something wonderful and extra nefarious about a holiday horror story. I enjoy a good hack and slash among the twinkle lights but the idea of a deranged Santa killing off his naughty list is such an overplayed standard that when a slice of fiction like this comes along it makes me giddy with foul holiday cheer. It plays out like a condensed version of 'Harvest Home' by Thomas Tryon and that's a huge compliment coming from this reader. My only complaint is that I could have spent a lot more time with these people and in this village than I did. Highly recommended for fans of this sub genre who are looking for a variation on a theme.