Written by Jeff Chapman
Most people are familiar with the adage, “don’t judge a book by its cover.” As important as it is, another rule that should be an adage (and if you decide to use it, please cite me) is “don’t judge a book by its title.” The title, Krampus Comes to Town, evokes “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” while also giving the impression that Jeff Chapman’s novella is a B-grade schlock horror. But as entertaining as B-grade schlock horror can be, Krampus Comes to Town is so much more.
Although it tells the story of Krampus on the hunt for his latest young victim, offering a karmic reward for the child’s misdeeds, to call Krampus Comes to Town a horror—schlocky or not—is a misnomer. The book certainly shares DNA with horror stories, as it builds the threat slowly and instils the reader with a sense of dread, but in actuality, it’s more of a dark fantasy. For the most part, the novella tells the stories of two children—the good Hans and the bad Johan—as their paths lead them to Krampus, but as the book builds towards its conclusion, it focuses more on its characters than it does thrills and chills.
In switching the point of view between Hans and Johan, the novella explores both characters. While Hans is very much the hero of the story and Johan the villain, the book explores their lives, providing wonderful insight into their characters. Johan is a bully, and through the course of the book, undertakes numerous villainous acts. As the book delves into his life, however, the author provides an account of a troubled child, while delving into the familial relationships that have shaped him. This juxtaposes well against the comparatively angelic Hans, a boy whose far more functional family relationships have shaped him. Both characters are sympathetic, and the book goes to great lengths to make you care about both their fates.
Both boys are keenly developed characters, as are their families and friends. At just 106 pages in paperback (or an estimated 88 pages on your favourite eReader and 2:57 if you’re listening to the audiobook), Krampus Comes to Town doesn’t have a great deal of space to work with. Yet Chapman has used this space judiciously, not only to explore the story’s fully formed characters in detail, but also fitting in a solid plot that lures the reader in. Quite often, when I review a novella, I’ll comment about whether it has the right amount of story for the format. Sometimes, these include too little, and in others, they try too much. While Krampus Comes to Town can easily be read in a single sitting—and is perhaps best enjoyed this way—it packs a lot in; perhaps more than it has any right to. Instead of feeling overstuffed, it simply works.
Given the nature of the story, to say much about Krampus Comes to Town’s plot would be to give too much away. At a high level, however, it tells the story of Hans and Johan, complete opposites in many ways. Suspecting Krampus is on his tail, Johan has conceived a plan to save himself. Johan’s plan is realised brilliantly as the author plays with the reader, teasing out the story as all is slowly revealed. The book is paced well, ensuring it moves at a speed that will give the reader the creeps. While I know of Krampus, I don’t know the intricacies of his story and how it compares to the book. In context of the world, however, Krampus adds an overarching sense of dread that keeps the book moving, without it overpowering the other elements.
For all the atmosphere Krampus and his presence offer the book, its prose and dialogue bring it home. The book’s exact setting isn’t mentioned; only that it takes place somewhere in Europe where the mythology was born. The book doesn’t mention the time period either. While such a lack of details can harm a book—something that is especially true of fantasy—they offer a timeless quality. Both the prose and dialogue are clear and easy to follow, conveying everything the reader needs to know while offering space for interpretation.
If you’re looking for a Christmas-themed horror book, Krampus Comes to Town may be a disappointment. However, if you’re looking for a dark fantasy, you’ll find a lot to love. The book tells its story incredibly well, and the characters feel like real people. This is all elevated by the writing, with prose and dialogue that beckons the reader to see what happens next.
Favourite Passage
Hans turned to look down the neighboring row of desks in time to see Johan toss a rolled sheet of paper beneath Gunther’s bench. Johan winked. Hans faced forward, determined to ignore the over-sized imp who called himself a man-to-be, but the derisive wink stuck in his memory and refused to disappear. Johan’s glare licked the back of Hans’s neck, as hot and wet as the spit wad on Father Mueller’s head.
Krampus Comes to Town, Chapter Two: “Three Days to Christmas”
Krampus Comes to Town was provided by StoryOrigin for the purpose of an honest review.
Krampus Comes to Town is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook from retailers including—but not limited to—Amazon.
Note: I do not post scores for reviews on this website, but do post them on my Amazon and Goodreads reviews:
- Amazon
- Goodreads
You can follow Jeff Chapman online, via:
Interested in purchasing Krampus Comes to Town?
Please find a link below; please note I do not collect any proceeds from the sale.
Krampus Comes to Town
wastanley.com 