Friar Tuck and the Christmas Devil

By: Steven A. McKay

Narrated by: Nick Ellsworth

December, 1323 AD - Holly and ivy decorate the houses while voices are raised in song, but the Christmas cheer is tempered by terror this festive season, as demons haunt a small English village. Strange thefts; cloven hoof-prints in the snow; a house burned to the ground. Something evil stalks the icy streets of Brandesburton and former mercenary Tuck must find out what, before it's too late. As he sets out to solve the mystery the friar prays his faith will protect him. His faith...and his great quarterstaff, for he knows full well - the Devil makes no deals.... This brand new novella from the best-selling author of the Forest Lord series will delight and entertain historical fiction fans looking to escape the madness of Christmas shopping for a little while. Grab a mince pie, warm some mulled wine, and join Friar Tuck on this snowy adventure!

©2015 Steven A. McKay (P)2015 Steven A. McKay

cozy and different

I enjoyed this one. loved the setting. loved friar Tuck. perfect for the Christmas season.

Great performance of a grand story.

Would you consider the audio edition of Friar Tuck and the Christmas Devil to be better than the print version?

Nick Ellsworth delivers a first rate performance of Good Friar's Christmas adventure and I find his Tuck voice to be a perfect match to this wonderful short story. The read alone is great and the listen now makes the story that much better.

What did you like best about this story?

I find McKay's "Tuck" character to be the best of the many Tucks produced over the years. Most realistic in manner and his back story puts him in the context of the outlaw model with a most complete and believable grounding.

Have you listened to any of Nick Ellsworth’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have enjoyed listening to all of the McKay stories as read by Nick Ellsworth. Mr. Ellsworth gives each story a life in voice that enhances every aspect of the adventure.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The manner in which Tuck relates to the young brother and sister as an understanding friend and fellow outlaw brings an element of humanity to his character which warms the story to just the right degree.

Good story!

I enjoyed Friar Tuck on a cold and rainy day at work. I had downloaded the audiobook. The workroom where I spend my weekdays working was warm and cozy with still a Christmas wreath and Christmas decorations. Outside was a dark and stormy day with heavy icy rain that chills you to the bone. However, the work room was pleasantly warm; the boss, Vic was cheerful like a Santa Claus in sweatshirt and jeans. We had a quiet day with light work that allowed me to put on my bluetooth and turn on my ipod nano. While doing light work today, I listened to Friar Tuck and the Christmas Devil. The atmosphere was conducive to the atmosphere of the audiobook and it was almost like the skeleton crew were all listening too. Of course, I was the only one attached to the bluetooth but I was startled when my boss tapped me on the shoulder--I was so into the story. When the book ended, I was sad that it was over and finished my workday to brave the icy downpour and to catch my buses home with umbrella and rainboots. Thank you Mr. McKay for the perfect holiday novel on an icy and rainy day in New York's Hudson Valley.

Friar Tuck: the perfect (unlikely) hero!

The man has a heart of gold, Always tries to do the right thing and longs to protect the innocent. He’s a little bit gluttonous and has to do bodily harm from time to time. He is a human man. He is not perfect, but he’s trying… this is why he’s a great hero.
This Novella is best read between the third and fourth books in the Forest Lord series.
The Forest Lord series is excellent and if you haven’t read (or listened) to it yet, what are you waiting for… “Seinfeld” has been off the air for years. This is not the same as other Robin Hood stories. These are deeply flawed individuals who straddle the line between thief, hero and human.

Not what I expected 😞

I was hoping for a bit more scary/threatening type of story line, but alas, it was not meant to be. I guess I was expecting a Krampuus type character but nothing like that even remotely occurs in this story. Excellent narration though!