The Gift

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.