A Song of Magic and Malice

Ebenezer “Ben” Scrooge is excellent at spreadsheets but utterly hopeless at humans.

A Christmas Carol modern retelling

Releasing December 1, 2026

Lonely, isolated, and fiercely misunderstood, Ben spends his days analyzing social rules and interactions like mathematical equations, persistently seeking the elusive formula for friendship. But before he can crack the code on human connection, his world is turned upside down.

When a disgruntled employee frames him for embezzlement at his own company, Ben is left facing a cold prison cell. Desperate and alone, Ben casts a magic spell to summon assistance from the spirit world. He hopes for a clever legal defense. But the ghosts that come to his aid have far more in mind.

On a hauntingly poetic Christmas Eve journey through his pivotal past, fateful present, and unwritten future, Ben discovers that getting his life back on track requires more than just evidence of his innocence. If he wants to truly escape his personal exile, he must learn how to open his heart, willingly accept his own eccentricities, and finally allow others to do the same.

  • This book contains :

    • Themes of grief and loss

    • Some adult language

For Book Clubs

Ready-made questions. Thoughtful discussions. No preparation.

Book Club Discussion Guide coming after release.

Photos

Close-up of a lit gold-colored candle surrounded by festive decorations and greenery.
An old, weathered book with a dark, cracked cover featuring a small pentagram star made of twigs tied with string.
Sticker with the words 'Bah Humbug' on a wooden surface.
A black and white Boston Terrier puppy playing with a red gift box tied with a pink ribbon, next to a decorated Christmas tree.
A cup of black coffee on a rustic wooden table, near a branch with white blossoms, two nuts, star anise, and an open book.
Close-up of pine tree branch with needles and pine cone covered in snow.
A green potted plant with broad leaves on a vintage wooden table, with old books and scissors in the background against a dark backdrop.
A happy black and white Boston Terrier dog sitting on a white background, with its tongue slightly sticking out and ears perked up.