The Very Naughty List - A Deep Dive Review

by Michael D. A. Clarke (Author)

Updated at: 17/02/2025

Michael D. A. Clarke's The Very Naughty List delivers a darkly comedic twist on the Christmas spirit. When a disgruntled mall Santa loses his job days before the holiday, he embarks on a bloody rampage against those who wronged him. Forget milk and cookies; this Santa's bag is filled with far more sinister treats. Instead of cheer, Merryvale Mall is plunged into a yuletide horror as the body count climbs. Prepare for a wickedly funny, blood-soaked, and utterly unforgettable Christmas story where the only thing on Santa's list is revenge. This isn't your grandma's heartwarming holiday tale; it's a darkly hilarious descent into holiday hell.

3.8 / 79 ratings

Review The Very Naughty List

Okay, let's talk about The Very Naughty List by Michael D. A. Clarke! I went into this expecting a fun, gory Christmas horror story, and boy, did it deliver. It completely exceeded my expectations, honestly. The premise itself – a fired mall Santa going on a bloody rampage – is inherently captivating, and Clarke uses that hook brilliantly. The story is short, sharp, and shocking, making it a perfect quick read that doesn't overstay its welcome.

What really impressed me was Clarke's writing style. It's incredibly detailed and vivid; he paints such a clear picture of the scenes and the characters that you can practically feel the chilling atmosphere. The descriptions are gruesome, yes, but in a way that’s both horrifying and darkly humorous. It's the kind of gore that's creative and over-the-top, rather than gratuitous. He doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of the story, which is exactly what I appreciated. This isn't your typical heartwarming Christmas tale, and that's precisely what makes it so unique and memorable.

The character of Santa himself is fascinating. He's not just a simple villain; he's complex and layered, with a backstory that explains (though doesn't excuse) his actions. We see the descent into madness, the gradual unraveling of this man who dedicated his life to being Santa, only to have it cruelly ripped away. You feel a strange mixture of sympathy and horror as you witness his transformation from a jolly old elf to a vengeful killer. Clarke masterfully balances those emotions, making the character both terrifying and strangely sympathetic.

Some readers mentioned the abrupt shift in character towards the end, and I can see how that might feel jarring. It’s a bit of a curveball, and it did take me a second to adjust to it. However, I think the ending, while unexpected, still works within the context of the overall story and Santa's fractured psyche. It doesn't invalidate everything that came before it; rather, it adds another layer of complexity to the narrative.

Overall, The Very Naughty List is a wonderfully twisted and darkly funny Christmas horror story that I highly recommend. It's a perfect read for anyone who enjoys a good bit of holiday-themed mayhem and doesn't mind a healthy dose of blood and guts. Michael D. A. Clarke has a clear talent for crafting chilling and memorable characters and stories, and I'm definitely eager to read more of his work. This book has single-handedly convinced me to start a new Christmas tradition: reading a Christmas horror story every year. And The Very Naughty List will definitely be the benchmark against which I’ll judge all others.