Every December, the town of Evergreen Falls transforms into a winter wonderland. Twinkling lights. Holiday parties. Christmas cheer.
But five years ago, three teenagers were found dead at a holiday party, their bodies arranged like twisted decorations, candy canes left in their mouths. The killer wore a mask painted in red and white spirals. The case went cold. The killer vanished.
Until now.
As another December arrives, the murders begin again. Same mask. Same calling card. Same methodical precision. Detective Sarah Chen races to stop a killer who's checking off a very specific list of twelve names, twelve sins, and twelve days until Christmas.
But this isn't random violence. This is revenge.
Five years ago, a group of teenagers destroyed someone's life with casual cruelty. They covered up the consequences and moved on. Now someone is making sure they pay for one bloody package at a time.
Maya Reeves watched it all happen. She knows the secret that connects every victim. She knows why the Candy Cane Killer returned. And she knows something else: she's next on the list.
As the body count rises and the town's darkest secret comes to light, Sarah must confront an impossible truth. Sometimes the line between justice and murder is as thin as a candy cane stripe. Sometimes the people who call themselves victims are the most dangerous killers of all.
And sometimes, the only way to stop a killer is to understand why they kill.
"A chilling examination of bullying, revenge, and the price of silence. Mukhiya crafts a slasher thriller with real psychological depth; every death matters, every character feels real, and the final twist will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about justice."
"Not for the faint of heart. Candy combines the visceral thrills of classic slasher films with the emotional complexity of literary fiction. This is horror that haunts you long after the last page."
"Mukhiya delivers a masterclass in suspense. The Candy Cane Killer is terrifying not because they're a monster, but because their motives are disturbingly understandable. A must-read for fans of Scream and My Bloody Valentine."
Perfect for readers who love: - Festive horror with a dark twist
- Psychological thrillers with morally complex characters
- Mystery novels where nothing is as it seems
- Stories that explore justice, revenge, and accountability
- Slasher fiction with emotional depth
- Narratives featuring LGBTQ+ representation
CONTENT WARNING: This novel contains depictions of murder, bullying, suicide, LGBTQ+ discrimination, and violence. Reader discretion is advised.
This Christmas, someone's checking their list twice.
And everyone's been naughty.
CANDYWhere holiday cheer meets horror.
Where secrets become weapons.
Where candy canes taste like revenge.
Available now in digital and print formats.
ANGEL MUKHIYA Independent Author Kolkata, West Bengal, India
For mature audiences. Contains graphic content and disturbing themes.
