A Christmas Menagerie: A Scary, Merry Anthology of Heartwarming Horror by Keith Simpkins

Forget the jolly Santa you know – this Christmas, joy and justice share the same sleigh. Four interwoven tales introduce The Figure, a mysterious and dual-natured version of Santa Claus who serves as both the guardian of Christmas spirit and the judge of those who betray it.

Designed to be a quick yet powerful read, this short collection is perfect for fans of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and those intrigued by darker Christmas traditions like Krampus. Blending the festive and the fearsome, this small but impactful book features timeless woodcut-style illustrations that bring its reimagined Christmas folklore to life.
* In “A Winter’s Night Tale,” a wayward boy discovers that some naughty deeds cannot be undone.
* “Christmas Shadows” explores redemption and regret as a troubled child faces the truth behind her actions.
* “He Knows If You’ve Been Bad or Good” tells the story of a selfless boy whose kindness paves the way to an unexpected future.
* In “The Last Journey,” the origins of The Figure are revealed, blending magic, lore, and the weight of his duty.

Ride along on The Figure’s Christmas Eve journeys and experience a captivating blend of shadows, lore, and the timeless spirit of the season.