Named one of the TIME100 Most Influential People of 2026 “I enjoy Freida McFadden…The books are engrossing and her sense of humour is sharp and dark. Vengeance comes with a twist and is satisfying” – STEPHEN KING “McFadden is a writer at the top of her game―and the undisputed mistress of the psychological thriller.” – E. L. James “Take the propulsive darkness of Gone Girl, the prolific output of Colleen Hoover, and the addictive twists of Harlan Coben, and you have something close to Freida McFadden.” – The Independent “Intimidatingly prolific” – The Sunday Times A THRILLER SHORT STORY! A gripping Christmas-themed short story from #1 New York Times bestselling author Freida McFadden, author of The Housemaid! What would you sacrifice for the perfect gift? Stella is working two jobs, yet she still can’t afford a Christmas present for her husband on their first Christmas together. What should have been a magical holiday has instead become a painful reminder of everything she can’t provide. Then a mysterious pawn shop owner offers Stella an intriguing trade. Desperate to give her husband the perfect gift, Stella is willing to consider almost anything. But every gift comes with a price—and this one may cost far more than she ever imagined. Inspired by O. Henry’s beloved classic The Gift of the Magi, Freida McFadden delivers a chilling Christmas thriller short story where love, desperation and deadly consequences collide.
