In R.D. Brady's Operation Kringle: A Holiday Time Travel Thriller, single mother Kelly McCormick's already chaotic life takes a sharp turn for the extraordinary. A week before Christmas, while preparing to close up her friend's cabin with her teenage sons, they discover an unconscious man in the snow. This seemingly simple act of kindness plunges Kelly into a deadly game involving a mysterious stranger, gunfire, and a terrifying glimpse into a dystopian future. Forced to confront a threat spanning centuries, Kelly, a woman far from a superhero, must find her inner strength to prevent a catastrophic event and save her family. This holiday season, expect the unexpected.
Review Operation Kringle
Operation Kringle completely charmed me! It’s a delightfully unexpected twist on the classic Christmas story, blending time travel, a thrilling mystery, and heartwarming family moments into one captivating package. R.D. Brady masterfully weaves together a plot that keeps you guessing until the very end, and the pacing is perfect—never too slow, never too rushed. I found myself completely absorbed in Kelly McCormick's world, empathizing with her struggles as a single mom trying to balance everything while simultaneously navigating a truly extraordinary situation. The author beautifully captures the everyday anxieties and joys of parenthood, making Kelly a relatable and instantly likeable protagonist.
The introduction of the mysterious stranger, found unconscious in the snow, immediately throws the story into high gear. The escalating danger and the unfolding mystery surrounding his identity had me breathlessly turning pages, desperate to know more. The hints of time travel, teased out gradually, are handled with a cleverness that adds another layer of intrigue without ever feeling confusing or overwhelming. The sci-fi elements are seamlessly integrated into the narrative, complementing the Christmas setting rather than overshadowing it.
What I particularly loved was the way Brady develops the characters. They're not just cardboard cutouts; they're complex, flawed individuals with believable motivations and reactions. Even the supporting characters feel fully realized, adding depth and richness to the overall narrative. The relationship between Kelly and her sons, particularly the friction with her teenage son, felt incredibly authentic and added an emotional resonance that grounded the fantastical elements of the story.
The blend of action, suspense, and heartwarming moments is expertly balanced. There's plenty of edge-of-your-seat excitement, but it's always tempered by moments of genuine emotion and connection. The Christmas setting adds a layer of cozy familiarity that beautifully counterpoints the thrilling plot developments. It’s a story that celebrates the importance of family, the power of kindness, and the enduring magic of Christmas, all while delivering a genuinely surprising and satisfying conclusion.
I wholeheartedly agree with other readers who have described this as a "great read," a "powerful read," and even a potential Christmas movie. It’s the perfect blend of genre fiction that's both entertaining and thought-provoking. The author’s skill in creating a compelling narrative arc and memorable characters ensures that Operation Kringle will stay with me long after I've finished reading it. It’s a book I'd recommend to anyone looking for a unique and engaging Christmas read, regardless of whether they usually gravitate towards time travel thrillers. It’s simply a wonderfully fun and satisfying story.
Information
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 1.02 x 8.5 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 406
- Publication date: 2024
Preview Book
