In “Holiday Spirit," John DeGuire delivers a debut novel that is as atmospheric as a New England winter and as sharp as a vampire’s tooth. Set in the deceptively quiet town of Killington, Vermont, the story kicks off with a Halloween prank that backfires spectacularly, igniting the wrath of Bridgett Bishop, a witch with a long memory and a thirst for vengeance. As the calendar turns toward Christmas, the festive cheer is replaced by a chilling reality: children are vanishing, and the shadows are crawling with more than just frost.

What makes DeGuire’s narrative stand out is his redefining the “Universal Monsters,” it’s a subversion of the monster mythos. Our heroes are a misfit band of outcasts: Saul, an EMS captain who is a modern, stitched-together iteration of Frankenstein’s creature; Dr. Ralph Ellison, the invisible man; and a power couple for the ages: Count Dracula and his werewolf wife, Aoife.

The strength of the novel lies in its moral complexity. DeGuire explores the “humanity” of monsters versus the “monstrosity” of humans. While the townsfolk are quick to point fingers at the supernatural residents among them, it is these very outcasts who risk everything to save the children.

DeGuire’s writing is textured, using metaphors that evoke a classic, almost gothic feel. He blends the aesthetic of the holidays with the gore of a slasher, creating a “Nightmare Before Christmas” vibe for a mature audience. The mystery builds with a steady dread, punctuated by vivid, graphic action sequences that will satisfy any hardcore horror fan.

“Holiday Spirit” is a cross-genre triumph that asks a haunting question: “In a world of ancient mummies and malevolent phantoms, who are the real villains?” By stripping away the capes and the caricatures, DeGuire gives these legendary monsters a soul, making them the unexpected protectors of a town that fears them. If you’re looking for a holiday read that trades tinsel for tension and presents for prehistoric lagoon creatures, this is your next obsession.