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Jollyland
A holiday thriller short story
YouTuber Annabelle Cole is known for chasing the strange, the abandoned, and the downright unsettling for her channel Dark Corners with Annabelle. So, when she stumbles on a wintery midwestern town hiding a forgotten Christmas theme park, she knows exactly where her next livestream will be.
Jollyland once promised magic—twinkling lights, carols in the air, and family memories wrapped in holiday cheer. Now it sits silent and decaying, its gates locked, its history whispered about but never confirmed.
Determined to give her viewers a festive thrill, Annabelle and her best friend Jacob slip inside for one night of exploring. At first, it’s everything she hoped creepy nostalgia, frozen rides, and enough eerie holiday atmosphere to make her audience lose their minds.
But as the night deepens, something inside the park begins to shift.
The air grows colder.
The shadows feel heavier.
And the livestream chat picks up on things Annabelle can’t see.
What starts as a fun Christmas special slowly turns into something darker—something watching, waiting, and far from finished with Jollyland’s past.
One night.
One abandoned park.
And more secrets buried under the snow than Annabelle ever expected.
YouTuber Annabelle Cole is known for chasing the strange, the abandoned, and the downright unsettling for her channel Dark Corners with Annabelle. So, when she stumbles on a wintery midwestern town hiding a forgotten Christmas theme park, she knows exactly where her next livestream will be.
Jollyland once promised magic—twinkling lights, carols in the air, and family memories wrapped in holiday cheer. Now it sits silent and decaying, its gates locked, its history whispered about but never confirmed.
Determined to give her viewers a festive thrill, Annabelle and her best friend Jacob slip inside for one night of exploring. At first, it’s everything she hoped creepy nostalgia, frozen rides, and enough eerie holiday atmosphere to make her audience lose their minds.
But as the night deepens, something inside the park begins to shift.
The air grows colder.
The shadows feel heavier.
And the livestream chat picks up on things Annabelle can’t see.
What starts as a fun Christmas special slowly turns into something darker—something watching, waiting, and far from finished with Jollyland’s past.
One night.
One abandoned park.
And more secrets buried under the snow than Annabelle ever expected.
53 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 16, 2025
35 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Powers
23 books91 followersMichelle Powers writes the kind of thrillers that keep you up way past bedtime—just one more chapter, right? What started with her breakout novella, The First Murder, quickly snowballed into a full-blown obsession with killers, clues, and crime scenes (the fictional kind, of course). She’s the internationally recognized indie author behind the addictive Detective Willoughby series, the fan-favorite Detective Kate Brown series, and a growing stack of standalone thrillers that will make you second-guess everyone you know. In 2024, she proudly earned the coveted KDP All-Star title—a gold star for authors who live on coffee, plot twists, and sheer grit. When she’s not working her day job in logistics or plotting her next murder (on paper, we swear), Michelle can be found writing at her desk with her Rottweiler sidekick, Ozzy, snoring nearby. Follow her on Facebook for new releases, giveaways, and all things murdery and mysterious. Just maybe leave the lights on.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
December 13, 2025
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Really fun quick read, perfect for a horror lover over the Xmas period!
Really fun quick read, perfect for a horror lover over the Xmas period!
December 7, 2025
Very quick read! It jumps right into the story, so i absolutely loved that. I would love to see a longer version of this that is more gory. I think it has some really great potential!
For being a short story, I really enjoyed the characters. I loved how each scene was perfectly executed. The author did a great job with writing it in a way that built the scene perfectly. Definitely going to check out more books by this author!
For being a short story, I really enjoyed the characters. I loved how each scene was perfectly executed. The author did a great job with writing it in a way that built the scene perfectly. Definitely going to check out more books by this author!
December 21, 2025
A fun holiday thriller short story for this time of year and season - available on KU and will help towards your reading goal for the year
November 19, 2025
I need to start off with… Who wants to go to a theme park this Christmas? Just me? Okay! Haha. But seriously, this story is absolutely terrifying in the best way, and I loved every minute of it! I thrive on being a little freaked out while I read, so if that’s you too, this short story is definitely a must-read. Don’t wait—dive in now! 10/10, highly recommend!
December 14, 2025
This was a quick and super creepy Christmas thriller! Had me hooked from the very beginning and didn’t let up! Definitely recommend if you enjoy holiday thrillers! This was a page turner!
January 1, 2026
Soooo freaking creeeepy
November 22, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
This is a short and fast pace, engaging Christmas mystery with suspense that keeps you engaged from beginning to end.
Annabelle who is a YouTuber is going to go to Jollyland. Where no one goes, or is ever allowed to go legally anyway. Because once you go to Jollyland you don’t make it out alive. Many haunting stories of what happens when you go. She isn’t going alone though she’s taking Jacob. Jacob films the whole thing live with the chat watching the whole time.
Let’s just say a lot happens at Jollyland a lot of creepy things take place, sounds, songs, rides starting, mechanical beings coming to life and even being chased and Jacob finds himself tied up and gagged.
There’s a little twist I didn’t notice till a friend pointed it out. Pay attention to the chat stream! 😉
You’ll never look at Santa the same again.
This is a short and fast pace, engaging Christmas mystery with suspense that keeps you engaged from beginning to end.
Annabelle who is a YouTuber is going to go to Jollyland. Where no one goes, or is ever allowed to go legally anyway. Because once you go to Jollyland you don’t make it out alive. Many haunting stories of what happens when you go. She isn’t going alone though she’s taking Jacob. Jacob films the whole thing live with the chat watching the whole time.
Let’s just say a lot happens at Jollyland a lot of creepy things take place, sounds, songs, rides starting, mechanical beings coming to life and even being chased and Jacob finds himself tied up and gagged.
There’s a little twist I didn’t notice till a friend pointed it out. Pay attention to the chat stream! 😉
You’ll never look at Santa the same again.
December 2, 2025
“Jollyland by Michelle Powers” is a holiday thriller short story that kept me on the edge of my seat! The story follows YouTuber Annabelle Cole, known for her dark and abandoned places with her friend, Jacob. They visit an abandoned Christmas theme park that becomes a holiday nightmare! The suspense was killing me, and I was hooked from the very first page. The creepy atmosphere had me gasping, and I felt like I was right there with the characters, experiencing the terror firsthand. I loved this book from beginning to end - it's one of my favorite Christmas short stories.
November 22, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Jollyland is a super quick, creepy 30-minute read about Annabelle and her friend Jacob checking out an abandoned Christmas theme park that everyone swears is haunted. They bring their streaming gear, start exploring, and of course the place is way more terrifying than they expected. It’s got that fun mix of festive and spooky, with plenty of eerie moments as they realize they’re not alone in the park. A solid little holiday scare if you want something fast and creepy to fit the season.
Jollyland is a super quick, creepy 30-minute read about Annabelle and her friend Jacob checking out an abandoned Christmas theme park that everyone swears is haunted. They bring their streaming gear, start exploring, and of course the place is way more terrifying than they expected. It’s got that fun mix of festive and spooky, with plenty of eerie moments as they realize they’re not alone in the park. A solid little holiday scare if you want something fast and creepy to fit the season.
November 18, 2025
Creepy and festive fun
Annabelle has decided to visit an old, abandoned Christmas themed park. The park is rumored to be haunted and over the years there have been numerous reports of strange things happening. Taking her streaming equipment and friend, Jacob, she sets off to document the park. What she finds is far scarier than either could ever imagine.
Annabelle has decided to visit an old, abandoned Christmas themed park. The park is rumored to be haunted and over the years there have been numerous reports of strange things happening. Taking her streaming equipment and friend, Jacob, she sets off to document the park. What she finds is far scarier than either could ever imagine.
November 29, 2025
A SPOOKY AND THRILLING READ
Adding abandoned parks to my list of “no thanks” 🤣 it’s such a quick and thrilling read. Powers has a great writing style that flows and shows you the story. If you’re looking for a creepy Xmas read check out this one!
Adding abandoned parks to my list of “no thanks” 🤣 it’s such a quick and thrilling read. Powers has a great writing style that flows and shows you the story. If you’re looking for a creepy Xmas read check out this one!
December 14, 2025
If you’re looking for a short Christmas thriller that will truly creep you out, this is it. This 53 page novella is packed with suspense, thrills, and an eerie atmosphere that never lets up. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time!
December 9, 2025
Heart-pounding from the very beginning! So good. One of my favourite holiday thillers so far.
December 17, 2025
CREEPY AF
This one was a little bit scary to me but at the same time I didn’t want to put it down. Definitely do not read if you are easily scared! If not, this one is for you!
This one was a little bit scary to me but at the same time I didn’t want to put it down. Definitely do not read if you are easily scared! If not, this one is for you!
December 23, 2025
Loved this creepy short story .
December 24, 2025
A descent bite of Christmas fear. Like being on a horror themed Christmas ride with scary animatronics, evil Santa and tons of suspense. Great read for some quick holiday thrills and chills 🎅🪓🎅🪝
December 28, 2025
Love the short stories as slump busters. Was really good.
December 30, 2025
This had potential but unfortunately was not great
January 7, 2026
I really liked this creepy story. I know I will have a different outlook on amusement parks. This was a well written short story. I would of been freaked out in that park.
November 24, 2025
The intensity from the start had my heart in overdrive! Every turn of the page horror, suspense and terror leaped out!
I loved the characters and especially the descriptive scenes of JollyLand! This Christmas thriller got my tinsel in a tangle for sure!!!
I loved the characters and especially the descriptive scenes of JollyLand! This Christmas thriller got my tinsel in a tangle for sure!!!
December 11, 2025
VERY short read. A “nice” story to read in December!
I guess nice wasn’t the right word to use there. lol.
I guess nice wasn’t the right word to use there. lol.
December 26, 2025
This was a “cute” Christmas slasher novella. I’d read more adventures with the protagonist exploring other spooky places if it were available.
December 26, 2025
I enjoy holiday-themed books—but only if they are mysteries or thrillers! When I saw this on bookstagram, I thought I’d give it a shot. After all, a short story set at an abandoned Christmas-themed amusement park where children went missing never to be seen again sounded like a fabulous set-up!
Annabelle Cole, a YouTuber known for her creepy channel “Dark Corners with Annabelle” is the first person to receive legal permission to explore the long-closed Jollyland park, once the site of so much joy, now crumbling and imbued with terrible memories.
She expects it to be just like every shoot, but as soon as she and her best friend, Jacob, enter the gates, the viewers watching the live stream start seeing ominous signals. Soon, it’s clear that she and Jacob may not leave Jollyland alive.
The descriptions of the desolate park really helped paint the scene, and the live feed chat provided a useful counterbalance to the events going on in Jollyland. However, I wasn’t completely satisfied with the execution of the narrative. The motivation of the characters was missing, the ending seemed too convenient, and some of the writing was a bit cliché. (Annabelle was described as “bright” more than once.)
That said, this is a fun, very quick diversion for people who enjoy killer Christmas reads.
->If you enjoy learning about abandoned amusement parks, check out the YouTube channel "Defunctland." It's fascinating!
Annabelle Cole, a YouTuber known for her creepy channel “Dark Corners with Annabelle” is the first person to receive legal permission to explore the long-closed Jollyland park, once the site of so much joy, now crumbling and imbued with terrible memories.
She expects it to be just like every shoot, but as soon as she and her best friend, Jacob, enter the gates, the viewers watching the live stream start seeing ominous signals. Soon, it’s clear that she and Jacob may not leave Jollyland alive.
The descriptions of the desolate park really helped paint the scene, and the live feed chat provided a useful counterbalance to the events going on in Jollyland. However, I wasn’t completely satisfied with the execution of the narrative. The motivation of the characters was missing, the ending seemed too convenient, and some of the writing was a bit cliché. (Annabelle was described as “bright” more than once.)
That said, this is a fun, very quick diversion for people who enjoy killer Christmas reads.
->If you enjoy learning about abandoned amusement parks, check out the YouTube channel "Defunctland." It's fascinating!
December 23, 2025
Annabelle, a YouTuber known for her explorations of unusual and eerie locations, and her best friend Jacob eagerly accepted an opportunity to film at Jollyland, an abandoned Christmas theme park. Annabelle's live stream began with excitement, but as time progressed, viewers started noticing figures in the shadows, transforming the stream into a horror film!
Annabelle was a decent character, but not someone who trusts her gut instincts. Although the narrative is around 50 pages, it's well-written, where I still felt the strong loyalty between Annabelle and Jacob as best friends. As these hidden dangers intensified into direct threats, Powers began a heart-stopping struggle for survival that lasted from start to finish.
I thoroughly enjoyed the suspenseful progression, but my only wish is that the story was a bit longer. The action was so compelling that I found myself hoping the engaging pursuit would not end! Overall, "Jollyland" was a stellar Christmas novella that was impactful, featuring characters you genuinely rooted for.
Annabelle was a decent character, but not someone who trusts her gut instincts. Although the narrative is around 50 pages, it's well-written, where I still felt the strong loyalty between Annabelle and Jacob as best friends. As these hidden dangers intensified into direct threats, Powers began a heart-stopping struggle for survival that lasted from start to finish.
I thoroughly enjoyed the suspenseful progression, but my only wish is that the story was a bit longer. The action was so compelling that I found myself hoping the engaging pursuit would not end! Overall, "Jollyland" was a stellar Christmas novella that was impactful, featuring characters you genuinely rooted for.
December 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Jollyland was a fun, quick read that I’d give three stars. The story delivers exactly what it promises: lighthearted holiday vibes and a dash of whimsy that makes it easy to breeze through, so much so that it took me less than an hour from start to finish.
The premise is charming and festive, centered around a magical holiday setting that leans into feel-good moments and quirky characters. If you’re looking for deep character development or a twisty plot, this isn’t the book for you but it’s perfect for when you just want a cozy, uncomplicated story to put you in the Christmas spirit.
Like other readers have noted, the appeal here is the simplicity and cheerfulness of it all. It’s not a groundbreaking or intensely memorable read, but it is a pleasant way to spend a short break during the holidays.
Overall, Jollyland is a quick, enjoyable seasonal story, great for fans of light holiday fiction who want something upbeat (with a hint of serial killers) and easy to finish in one sitting.
The premise is charming and festive, centered around a magical holiday setting that leans into feel-good moments and quirky characters. If you’re looking for deep character development or a twisty plot, this isn’t the book for you but it’s perfect for when you just want a cozy, uncomplicated story to put you in the Christmas spirit.
Like other readers have noted, the appeal here is the simplicity and cheerfulness of it all. It’s not a groundbreaking or intensely memorable read, but it is a pleasant way to spend a short break during the holidays.
Overall, Jollyland is a quick, enjoyable seasonal story, great for fans of light holiday fiction who want something upbeat (with a hint of serial killers) and easy to finish in one sitting.
December 8, 2025
Well.. that was a lot creepier than I expected!
As a romance reader, thrillers aren’t usually my go to, however I wanted to expand my horizons this holiday season. And this fast paced novella did not disappoint.
It was funny at the very start but quickly became creepy and intriguing.
Annabelle is a streamer who likes to explore places that others refuse to go. And Jacob, her friend and cameraman tags along for a helping hand. Her next location is Jollyland, the abandoned Christmas theme park, with rides that come on by themselves and animatronic elves that won’t stay still.
And the fact that it was being live-streamed with people commenting when they saw stuff was the cherry on top. I loved all the viewer comments. They made it even creepier which was awesome.
Jollyland was a really good read and I am definitely keen to explore more from this author and in this genre.
As a romance reader, thrillers aren’t usually my go to, however I wanted to expand my horizons this holiday season. And this fast paced novella did not disappoint.
It was funny at the very start but quickly became creepy and intriguing.
Annabelle is a streamer who likes to explore places that others refuse to go. And Jacob, her friend and cameraman tags along for a helping hand. Her next location is Jollyland, the abandoned Christmas theme park, with rides that come on by themselves and animatronic elves that won’t stay still.
And the fact that it was being live-streamed with people commenting when they saw stuff was the cherry on top. I loved all the viewer comments. They made it even creepier which was awesome.
Jollyland was a really good read and I am definitely keen to explore more from this author and in this genre.
December 8, 2025
Jollyland follows YouTuber Annabelle, who visits abandoned places. She got permission to investigate Jollyland, which was a Christmas theme park. This park is known for some bad things that have happened there. While investigating the park with her friend, they are supposed to be the only ones there. But it seems like someone else is there too...they might not be safe.
This was a fun short Christmas thriller. It was very fast-paced. For such a short story, a lot of crazy things happened. I would be interested in reading a full-length novel by this author. If you are looking for a short Christmas thriller, I would suggest this one.
This was a fun short Christmas thriller. It was very fast-paced. For such a short story, a lot of crazy things happened. I would be interested in reading a full-length novel by this author. If you are looking for a short Christmas thriller, I would suggest this one.
December 17, 2025
This book opens with a little note from the author and honestly I felt seen.😄
"For all of us who prefer our Christmas stories with snow, suspense, and someone running for their life."
Another binge in one sitting holiday horror story. This one follows an influencer as she goes to explore an abandoned Christmas themed amusement park called Jollyland at night. She brings her friend Josh as her cameraman. As soon as they walk in the crumbling gates viewers spot a figure dressed in a Santa suit watching them. So begins a harrowing night of them fighting for their lives.
"For all of us who prefer our Christmas stories with snow, suspense, and someone running for their life."
Another binge in one sitting holiday horror story. This one follows an influencer as she goes to explore an abandoned Christmas themed amusement park called Jollyland at night. She brings her friend Josh as her cameraman. As soon as they walk in the crumbling gates viewers spot a figure dressed in a Santa suit watching them. So begins a harrowing night of them fighting for their lives.
November 29, 2025
If you love your Christmas spirit served with a side of fear, Jollyland by Michelle Powers is the perfect holiday treat. The story drops you into an abandoned Christmas-themed amusement park after dark—because what could possibly go right? It’s fast, atmospheric, and deliciously creepy, the kind of read that keeps your pulse up and the pages turning. Nothing rings in the season quite like a little festive terror.
December 12, 2025
I actually enjoyed the story throughout — the holiday horror vibe was fun, the premise was interesting, and it kept my attention. My only real issue was the ending. I know it’s a short story, but I just wanted a little more motive or background to wrap things up. It felt like everything was building toward something bigger, and then it just stopped a little sooner than I hoped.
Overall, still a decent, creepy little read — I just wish the ending had given me a bit more to hold onto.
Overall, still a decent, creepy little read — I just wish the ending had given me a bit more to hold onto.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews