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Mrs. Claus #6
Mrs. Claus and the Very Vicious Valentine
As Valentine’s Day approaches, love is in the air with April Claus’s friend, Claire, getting married to Jake Frost—but when a cold-blooded killer strikes, it sends shivers through Santaland . . .
It’s the wedding of the winter—Claire and Jake—and April and Juniper will be bridesmaids. Everyone’s feeling the love. Even the reindeer who pull April’s sleigh are feeling the Valentine’s both Wobbler and Cannonball fancy Flouncy, a doe from the Vixen herd. As for April, of course she couldn’t be happier being married to Nick (aka THE Santa Claus), but now that they’re no longer newlyweds, has their romance been a bit backburnered?
As the bridal party assembles at the Order of Elven Seamstresses for a fitting, Juniper’s new boyfriend, Sterling Redwinkle, stops by with a corsage. While he’s pinning it on Juniper, he’s pricked by a rose thorn and collapses. Though he’s rushed to the Santaland infirmary, he dies within hours. It turns out the thorns were covered in deadly poison. But who was the killer’s target—sweet Sterling or the now heartbroken bridesmaid?
With Ivy the florist immediately the chief suspect—even being called “Poison Ivy” by naughty gossipers—it’s up to Mrs. Claus to uncover the North Pole poisoner in time to salvage Claire and Jake’s wedding at Castle Kringle . . .
It’s the wedding of the winter—Claire and Jake—and April and Juniper will be bridesmaids. Everyone’s feeling the love. Even the reindeer who pull April’s sleigh are feeling the Valentine’s both Wobbler and Cannonball fancy Flouncy, a doe from the Vixen herd. As for April, of course she couldn’t be happier being married to Nick (aka THE Santa Claus), but now that they’re no longer newlyweds, has their romance been a bit backburnered?
As the bridal party assembles at the Order of Elven Seamstresses for a fitting, Juniper’s new boyfriend, Sterling Redwinkle, stops by with a corsage. While he’s pinning it on Juniper, he’s pricked by a rose thorn and collapses. Though he’s rushed to the Santaland infirmary, he dies within hours. It turns out the thorns were covered in deadly poison. But who was the killer’s target—sweet Sterling or the now heartbroken bridesmaid?
With Ivy the florist immediately the chief suspect—even being called “Poison Ivy” by naughty gossipers—it’s up to Mrs. Claus to uncover the North Pole poisoner in time to salvage Claire and Jake’s wedding at Castle Kringle . . .
273 pages, Paperback
Published September 30, 2025
22 people are currently reading
836 people want to read
About the author
Liz Ireland
65 books268 followersLiz was born in Texas and credits a rural upbringing in a houseful of books for her lifelong love of stories. After earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, she moved to New York and worked various jobs (book clerk, world’s slowest professional typist, substitute teacher) before landing a job in publishing. Since then, she’s made her home in Austin, Portland (Oregon), Ottawa, Montreal, and now Vancouver Island in British Columbia. In her free time, she enjoys playing in local concert bands, watching classic films, and—of course—reading. In addition to her writing career, Liz has worked for two decades as a fiction editor. She’s a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and has served as a regional representative for Crime Writers of Canada.
Under the pen name Liz Freeland, Liz writes the Louise Faulk historical mystery series. She also writes women's fiction as Elizabeth Bass.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
June 19, 2025
Valentine's Day is a special occasion, even in snowy Santaland, and April Claus is also looking forward to her friend Claire's wedding to Jake Frost at Castle Kringle on the most romantic of days. It's four years since her own rather low-key marriage to THE Santa Claus, who seems more of a workaholic than ever, and this time, her mother in law is going all out. Feeling a little bereft April throws herself into a murder investigation when a much loved and respected elf suffers a fatal collapse in front of the wedding party! With murmurings of bad luck and suggestions of postponements, can she save the day while putting a little passion into her own special relationship?
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Kensington Publishing, Kensington Cozies, but the opinions expressed are my own. I have read and enjoyed all the Mr. Claus short storie, but this was my firstfull-length nove, and I loved it. Santa was much more a part of the story, and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Pamela, April's mother in law. I will definitely be going back to read the previous books in this fun serie, which has everything I want in a cosy.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Kensington Publishing, Kensington Cozies, but the opinions expressed are my own. I have read and enjoyed all the Mr. Claus short storie, but this was my firstfull-length nove, and I loved it. Santa was much more a part of the story, and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Pamela, April's mother in law. I will definitely be going back to read the previous books in this fun serie, which has everything I want in a cosy.
September 24, 2025
Liz Ireland does it again with another wonderfully amusing Mrs. Claus mystery with Mrs. Claus and the Very Vicious Valentine!
It is February, just days away from both Claire's wedding and Valentine's day. As the bridal party are trying on their dresses, they receive an anonymous threat but aren't sure who it was meant for. The bridal party returns to the bridal shop, only to witness Juniper's boyfriend Sterling pass out after being pricked by the corsage he brought Juniper. After the autopsy, they learn that Sterling was poisoned. A murder puts an immediate damper on Claire's wedding, so April is determined to find out who the killer is, and make sure that Juniper is safe from this mysterious poisoner.
As always, I just absolutely love Santaland, all the elves and especially April Claus, who seems to always find herself solving yet another elf murder mystery! And that is on top of all the other Mrs. Claus responsibilities that keep her quite busy. Jake's cousin Dolly who is in town for the wedding, is an amusing addition to the bridal party. Dolly is extremely blunt, honest, and a little overly fond of her cousin Jake. Cannonball and Wobbler. April's usual reindeer who pull her sleigh, keep disappearing as they both fight for the affections of a pretty reindeer named Flouncy. Sometimes their fighting even goes beyond verbal to physical tussles, as they try to be the winning reindeer to take Flouncy to the All-Herd Muzzle Nuzzle. April, while trying to solve a murder and ensure Claire's wedding festivities continue without a hitch, is also judging in the Valentine's Tournament of Chocolate. Even her chocolate judging creates some minor scandal, something April seems hard pressed to avoid.
There are so many amusing parts of this story, I was laughing out loud throughout. From the semi-disastrous Bumble the snowman hug, to Claire's slushy addiction, the dowager Mrs. Claus and her usual antics, and Constable Crinkles and his not so great police work. I also really had no clue who the true murderer was until they were discovered, this one kept me guessing! You don't want to miss this cozy murder mystery!
Some fav quotes:
"Chiffon ruffles curled up the bias-cut, form-fitting white dress, culminating in a full ruff at her neck. The overall impression was half velvet negligee, half circus clown."
"The whole fitting had me flummoxed. Was I the only one who thought Claire's dress was like something you'd see on the runway at Milan fashion week? The kind of dress you'd look at and think, No one would ever wear that in real life."
""The dress shouldn't be this tight," I said with the hiccup of air I'd managed to wheeze into my lungs. "It was made exactly to the measurements we took in November." November was one Christmas and several million calories ago."
""Someone had to take charge. You were just standing there like a bump on a pickle.""
""I've hardly ever had chocolate-it's not that common where I come from. The biggest treat we ever got was walrus blubber crackling.""
""You think I have snow cooties?""
"I straightened my shoulders. A meeting hall full of chocolates awaited my taste buds. Tough work, but somebody had to do it."
Thank you so much to Netgalley, Kensington, and the author for a copy of this book!
It is February, just days away from both Claire's wedding and Valentine's day. As the bridal party are trying on their dresses, they receive an anonymous threat but aren't sure who it was meant for. The bridal party returns to the bridal shop, only to witness Juniper's boyfriend Sterling pass out after being pricked by the corsage he brought Juniper. After the autopsy, they learn that Sterling was poisoned. A murder puts an immediate damper on Claire's wedding, so April is determined to find out who the killer is, and make sure that Juniper is safe from this mysterious poisoner.
As always, I just absolutely love Santaland, all the elves and especially April Claus, who seems to always find herself solving yet another elf murder mystery! And that is on top of all the other Mrs. Claus responsibilities that keep her quite busy. Jake's cousin Dolly who is in town for the wedding, is an amusing addition to the bridal party. Dolly is extremely blunt, honest, and a little overly fond of her cousin Jake. Cannonball and Wobbler. April's usual reindeer who pull her sleigh, keep disappearing as they both fight for the affections of a pretty reindeer named Flouncy. Sometimes their fighting even goes beyond verbal to physical tussles, as they try to be the winning reindeer to take Flouncy to the All-Herd Muzzle Nuzzle. April, while trying to solve a murder and ensure Claire's wedding festivities continue without a hitch, is also judging in the Valentine's Tournament of Chocolate. Even her chocolate judging creates some minor scandal, something April seems hard pressed to avoid.
There are so many amusing parts of this story, I was laughing out loud throughout. From the semi-disastrous Bumble the snowman hug, to Claire's slushy addiction, the dowager Mrs. Claus and her usual antics, and Constable Crinkles and his not so great police work. I also really had no clue who the true murderer was until they were discovered, this one kept me guessing! You don't want to miss this cozy murder mystery!
Some fav quotes:
"Chiffon ruffles curled up the bias-cut, form-fitting white dress, culminating in a full ruff at her neck. The overall impression was half velvet negligee, half circus clown."
"The whole fitting had me flummoxed. Was I the only one who thought Claire's dress was like something you'd see on the runway at Milan fashion week? The kind of dress you'd look at and think, No one would ever wear that in real life."
""The dress shouldn't be this tight," I said with the hiccup of air I'd managed to wheeze into my lungs. "It was made exactly to the measurements we took in November." November was one Christmas and several million calories ago."
""Someone had to take charge. You were just standing there like a bump on a pickle.""
""I've hardly ever had chocolate-it's not that common where I come from. The biggest treat we ever got was walrus blubber crackling.""
""You think I have snow cooties?""
"I straightened my shoulders. A meeting hall full of chocolates awaited my taste buds. Tough work, but somebody had to do it."
Thank you so much to Netgalley, Kensington, and the author for a copy of this book!
September 8, 2025
"Mrs. Claus and the Very Vicious Valentine (Mrs. Claus Mystery #6)" by Liz Ireland is Valentine's Day, Christmas and Wedding themed. It is Christmas themed due to it all taking place in Santa Land and you can't not get a bit of Christmas theming there. The Valentine's Day theme since it's set around Valentine's Day and there are events taking place with that holiday in mind. Then the Wedding theme because April's friend and fellow transplant to the frigid north, Claire, is getting married in this book.
April, family and friends are all trying to help Claire and Jack have an amazing wedding. Unfortunately, there's some scary threats and poisonings going on to put Claire in cold feet territory. That's in addition to her acting odd. So, to keep Claire from postponing or canceling her wedding, April, is determined to solve the case in less than 4 days. She squeaks in on solving everything the day off the wedding.
I have to say that this book in this series kept me guessing the most. I would think I was starting to figure things out, but then there would be something new to lead me somewhere else. In the end, I was starting to put it all together just a smidge ahead of April.
April, family and friends are all trying to help Claire and Jack have an amazing wedding. Unfortunately, there's some scary threats and poisonings going on to put Claire in cold feet territory. That's in addition to her acting odd. So, to keep Claire from postponing or canceling her wedding, April, is determined to solve the case in less than 4 days. She squeaks in on solving everything the day off the wedding.
I have to say that this book in this series kept me guessing the most. I would think I was starting to figure things out, but then there would be something new to lead me somewhere else. In the end, I was starting to put it all together just a smidge ahead of April.
June 8, 2025
It's finally time for Jack Frost and Claire's wedding, and love is in the air throughout Santaland. That is, until Juniper's sweetheart is murdered at a dress fitting by a poisoned rose in the midst of proposing. Mrs. Claus is determined for Claire's wedding to be perfect, and it can't be with a mysterious death hanging over everyone's heads--especially when there's a possibility a member of the bridal party was a real target.
I love this series so much, and will continue to read about Mrs. Claus solving crime for as long as it runs. It's just such a fun concept that never gets old, with each book introducing new fun tidbits about Santaland, the elves, and the other creatures that live there. Not to mention, the intriguing mysteries at the center of each book, with this one being no exception. There plenty of potential targets and suspects that kept me guessing.
Thanks to Kensington for my eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
5 stars - 9/10
I love this series so much, and will continue to read about Mrs. Claus solving crime for as long as it runs. It's just such a fun concept that never gets old, with each book introducing new fun tidbits about Santaland, the elves, and the other creatures that live there. Not to mention, the intriguing mysteries at the center of each book, with this one being no exception. There plenty of potential targets and suspects that kept me guessing.
Thanks to Kensington for my eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
5 stars - 9/10
November 2, 2025
4.25 stars
This is such a fun series! Even though this book takes place around Valentine's Day, the North Pole setting gives the story a Christmas vibe. April Claus's best friend is getting married, which should be a joyous occasion, but Claire is unusually subdued and someone is sending threats to the wedding party and a suspicious death occurs. In between judging a candy-making contest, It's up to Mrs. Claus to find out who the killer is and save Claire's wedding.
April is such a good person and also an observant amateur sleuth. Even though Claire is acting strangely, at least April has her friend Juniper that she can count on. Juniper the elf is such a fun character, and she helped lighten things up, especially when the annoying new character, Dolly, is stirring up trouble. Overall, I enjoyed the book, especially the sweet ending. This fun series makes talking snowmen and flying reindeer seem completely believable.
I received an advance copy of this ebook from Kensington Books and NetGalley for review consideration. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
This is such a fun series! Even though this book takes place around Valentine's Day, the North Pole setting gives the story a Christmas vibe. April Claus's best friend is getting married, which should be a joyous occasion, but Claire is unusually subdued and someone is sending threats to the wedding party and a suspicious death occurs. In between judging a candy-making contest, It's up to Mrs. Claus to find out who the killer is and save Claire's wedding.
April is such a good person and also an observant amateur sleuth. Even though Claire is acting strangely, at least April has her friend Juniper that she can count on. Juniper the elf is such a fun character, and she helped lighten things up, especially when the annoying new character, Dolly, is stirring up trouble. Overall, I enjoyed the book, especially the sweet ending. This fun series makes talking snowmen and flying reindeer seem completely believable.
I received an advance copy of this ebook from Kensington Books and NetGalley for review consideration. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
June 5, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing Corp. for the opportunity to read "Mrs. Claus and the Very Vicious Valentine" in exchange for my honest opinion.
This is the 6th holiday that the reader gets to spend with Mrs. April Claus in Christmastown. This time everyone is all excited because Claire's wedding to Jake Frost is just a few days away. Most of the time is spent at Madame Neige's shop with dress and veil fittings. Claire, who like April moved from Cloudberry Bay to Christmastown found true love with a relative of Jack Frost's. There is an interesting new character called Dolly Frost - a cousin of Jake's who has a weird fixation with him and becomes rather dewy-eyed when she sees him and is more enthusiastic about the upcoming wedding than the bride.
Of course, what Mrs. Claus mystery would be complete without murder and mayhem. April and Jake join forces once again to solve a complicated puzzle. Flowers start appearing and framing Ivy for attempting to kill someone in the wedding party. Claire is acting odd leaving all important wedding decisions to Madame Neige and April's mother-in-law , the dowager Mrs. Claus. When someone does end up dead - Constable Crinkles and Deputy Ollie (who couldn't catch anyone if they tried) are not taking called from the doctor or the coroner because they are busy with a chocolate contest.
It's up to April (as always) to put the pieces together and solve yet another murder in Christmastown.
This is the 6th holiday that the reader gets to spend with Mrs. April Claus in Christmastown. This time everyone is all excited because Claire's wedding to Jake Frost is just a few days away. Most of the time is spent at Madame Neige's shop with dress and veil fittings. Claire, who like April moved from Cloudberry Bay to Christmastown found true love with a relative of Jack Frost's. There is an interesting new character called Dolly Frost - a cousin of Jake's who has a weird fixation with him and becomes rather dewy-eyed when she sees him and is more enthusiastic about the upcoming wedding than the bride.
Of course, what Mrs. Claus mystery would be complete without murder and mayhem. April and Jake join forces once again to solve a complicated puzzle. Flowers start appearing and framing Ivy for attempting to kill someone in the wedding party. Claire is acting odd leaving all important wedding decisions to Madame Neige and April's mother-in-law , the dowager Mrs. Claus. When someone does end up dead - Constable Crinkles and Deputy Ollie (who couldn't catch anyone if they tried) are not taking called from the doctor or the coroner because they are busy with a chocolate contest.
It's up to April (as always) to put the pieces together and solve yet another murder in Christmastown.
September 30, 2025
Murder, a reindeer love triangle, and a poisoned Valentine’s rose? Happy pub day to Mrs. Claus and the Very Vicious Valentine, the cozy mystery that proves bridal panic is deadlier than winter in the North Pole.
I don’t know what kind of cursed chocolate waterfall Santaland built to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, but I swear someone laced it with drama. Mrs. Claus and the Very Vicious Valentine is chaos dipped in ganache and sprinkled with murder. It’s book six in Liz Ireland’s gloriously deranged Mrs. Claus series, and I am feral about it. Like, screaming-into-a-snowbank levels of invested. This book gave me bridal panic, reindeer love triangles, poisoned flowers, and an emotional crisis about whether Santa still finds his wife hot. Five candy-coated meltdowns out of five.
April Claus is back, baby, and she is trying so hard to keep it together. Her bestie Claire is marrying Jake Frost (yes, actual Frost lineage, winter royalty, no pressure), and April’s been roped into being a bridesmaid. Which, in Christmastown, means high-stakes fittings with the Order of Elven Seamstresses, because apparently satin and stress go hand in hand. But Claire’s acting weird. Like, “I’ve been body-snatched by an eerily cheerful wedding cult” weird. And then, right in the middle of a veil fitting, an elf straight-up dies from a poisoned Valentine’s Day rose. I know it’s a holiday of love, but this is giving Saw 14: The Rom-Com.
Meanwhile, the Santaland cops are too busy judging a chocolate sculpture competition to care about the dead body in the corner. Sterling Redwinkle (adorable, dead, tragic) was about to propose to Juniper when BAM. Pricked by a thorn, poisoned in seconds. Was he the real target? Was it Juniper? Was the bouquet cursed? April doesn’t have time to process it because the wedding is four days away, someone is actively trying to sabotage it, and she's pretty sure her marriage might be sliding into “cozy roommate” territory. And when Mrs. Claus starts taking magazine quizzes about whether Santa is still into her? You know the North Pole is emotionally collapsing.
Also, side note: I would watch an entire spin-off just about the reindeer. Wobbler and Cannonball are both fighting over Flouncy, who is basically the Megan Fox of the Vixen herd. She is giving antlered femme fatale. I love her. I want better for her. I hope she runs off to star in a gritty reboot of “Rudolph” where she’s the lead and the rest of the sleigh team dies mysteriously in act two.
But back to April, who’s out here solving crimes with nothing but caffeine, sarcasm, and a growing resentment toward men who don’t communicate. Nick (you know, Santa Claus) is being peak emotionally unavailable husband. He’s sweet, he’s supportive, he’s just... a little distracted by his whole “delivering joy to the world” vibe and not noticing that his wife is unraveling. Between the murder investigation, bridesmaid duties, and existential love crisis, April has had it. With a capital H. And when she finally storms into Hades (not a metaphor, that’s an actual place in this book), I was like, yes girl. Burn it down. Or at least interrogate the underworld.
The mystery itself is bananas. I guessed the killer four different times and was wrong every single time. One suspect was giving “if Regina George ran a flower shop” energy, another was too hot to trust, and a third was so unhinged I genuinely thought they’d been added just for comedic value. Nope. They had layers. Like an evil onion in snow boots.
The reveal? Unhinged. The motive? Deranged. The final pages? Pure sugar-rush whodunit delight. I gasped. I giggled. I may have flung a marshmallow at the wall.
Also, shoutout to Pamela, the Dowager Mrs. Claus, for continuing to be the chaotic ice queen of my dreams. Her version of emotional support is ordering your wedding for you and silently judging your lipstick choice, but I would trust her with my life. Or at least my catering.
Mrs. Claus and the Very Vicious Valentine is ridiculous in the most deliberate way. It’s not just quirky, it’s aggressively, gloriously committed to the bit. Liz Ireland isn’t just writing cozy mysteries, she’s building a glitter-covered, candy-fueled fever dream where reindeer have crushes and murder is always, always on theme. I love this series with my whole heart. I would live in this world. I would die there too, probably during the Arbor Day installment.
Solid 4 stars. I’m saving that fifth one for when Nick finally shows up with a handwritten poem and a sleigh bed covered in rose petals.
Whodunity Award: For Turning a Florist Into a Suspect and a Chocolate Fountain Into a Crime Scene
Huge thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC. Y’all handed me the most chaotic Valentine’s Day gift I’ve ever received and I am unwell in the best way.
I don’t know what kind of cursed chocolate waterfall Santaland built to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, but I swear someone laced it with drama. Mrs. Claus and the Very Vicious Valentine is chaos dipped in ganache and sprinkled with murder. It’s book six in Liz Ireland’s gloriously deranged Mrs. Claus series, and I am feral about it. Like, screaming-into-a-snowbank levels of invested. This book gave me bridal panic, reindeer love triangles, poisoned flowers, and an emotional crisis about whether Santa still finds his wife hot. Five candy-coated meltdowns out of five.
April Claus is back, baby, and she is trying so hard to keep it together. Her bestie Claire is marrying Jake Frost (yes, actual Frost lineage, winter royalty, no pressure), and April’s been roped into being a bridesmaid. Which, in Christmastown, means high-stakes fittings with the Order of Elven Seamstresses, because apparently satin and stress go hand in hand. But Claire’s acting weird. Like, “I’ve been body-snatched by an eerily cheerful wedding cult” weird. And then, right in the middle of a veil fitting, an elf straight-up dies from a poisoned Valentine’s Day rose. I know it’s a holiday of love, but this is giving Saw 14: The Rom-Com.
Meanwhile, the Santaland cops are too busy judging a chocolate sculpture competition to care about the dead body in the corner. Sterling Redwinkle (adorable, dead, tragic) was about to propose to Juniper when BAM. Pricked by a thorn, poisoned in seconds. Was he the real target? Was it Juniper? Was the bouquet cursed? April doesn’t have time to process it because the wedding is four days away, someone is actively trying to sabotage it, and she's pretty sure her marriage might be sliding into “cozy roommate” territory. And when Mrs. Claus starts taking magazine quizzes about whether Santa is still into her? You know the North Pole is emotionally collapsing.
Also, side note: I would watch an entire spin-off just about the reindeer. Wobbler and Cannonball are both fighting over Flouncy, who is basically the Megan Fox of the Vixen herd. She is giving antlered femme fatale. I love her. I want better for her. I hope she runs off to star in a gritty reboot of “Rudolph” where she’s the lead and the rest of the sleigh team dies mysteriously in act two.
But back to April, who’s out here solving crimes with nothing but caffeine, sarcasm, and a growing resentment toward men who don’t communicate. Nick (you know, Santa Claus) is being peak emotionally unavailable husband. He’s sweet, he’s supportive, he’s just... a little distracted by his whole “delivering joy to the world” vibe and not noticing that his wife is unraveling. Between the murder investigation, bridesmaid duties, and existential love crisis, April has had it. With a capital H. And when she finally storms into Hades (not a metaphor, that’s an actual place in this book), I was like, yes girl. Burn it down. Or at least interrogate the underworld.
The mystery itself is bananas. I guessed the killer four different times and was wrong every single time. One suspect was giving “if Regina George ran a flower shop” energy, another was too hot to trust, and a third was so unhinged I genuinely thought they’d been added just for comedic value. Nope. They had layers. Like an evil onion in snow boots.
The reveal? Unhinged. The motive? Deranged. The final pages? Pure sugar-rush whodunit delight. I gasped. I giggled. I may have flung a marshmallow at the wall.
Also, shoutout to Pamela, the Dowager Mrs. Claus, for continuing to be the chaotic ice queen of my dreams. Her version of emotional support is ordering your wedding for you and silently judging your lipstick choice, but I would trust her with my life. Or at least my catering.
Mrs. Claus and the Very Vicious Valentine is ridiculous in the most deliberate way. It’s not just quirky, it’s aggressively, gloriously committed to the bit. Liz Ireland isn’t just writing cozy mysteries, she’s building a glitter-covered, candy-fueled fever dream where reindeer have crushes and murder is always, always on theme. I love this series with my whole heart. I would live in this world. I would die there too, probably during the Arbor Day installment.
Solid 4 stars. I’m saving that fifth one for when Nick finally shows up with a handwritten poem and a sleigh bed covered in rose petals.
Whodunity Award: For Turning a Florist Into a Suspect and a Chocolate Fountain Into a Crime Scene
Huge thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC. Y’all handed me the most chaotic Valentine’s Day gift I’ve ever received and I am unwell in the best way.
July 27, 2025
I adore this quirky series. To be honest, while the mystery is always intriguing, I'm there as much to lose myself in the fantasy world of SantaLand as for the mystery. I mean, cranky flying reindeer feuding over Flouncy, a flirtatious female reindeer from the Vixen herd. A stuffed up, talking snowman. A police station jail cell that is more hotel room than cell. Flying sleighs, with or without reindeer power. I mean, they are quite up-to-date there. Cut throat candy competitions. And, oh, so many other fun, quirky bits of this North Pole that don't quite match up with the long time traditional image. Heck, Santa is even not only young but hot. Sorry, ladies, he's married. April Claus is an amateur sleuth who always seems to find herself in the middle of some wrong doing, even murder.
That's the case here. Who killed elf fireman Sterling Redwinkle just as he seemed about to pop the question to his elf girlfriend Juniper? With a poisoned rose, no less. That's just the beginning. April is on the case but also caught up in preparations for BFF Claire's upcoming wedding to private detective Jake Frost. Yes, related to Jack Frost. Even better (well, maybe....you'll see) she's to be married at Castle Kringle, home of the extended Claus Family. Current Santa Nick is simply holding down the job while waiting for his nephew Christopher to reach adulthood but has proven a caring, wise Santa. April often wishes she had his way with words. Well, when she isn't fretting that the romance is fading this go-round. She even resorts to taking one of those generic magazine quizzes to determine if he's drifting away from her. Yes, they read those magazines in SantaLand, too, it seems. In any case, given her busy schedule, which involves lots of chocolate (a woman after my own heart) and snooping, er, looking into the murder, she barely has time to focus on anything else. She's even desperate enough investigating to descend into Hades. Nope. Not explaining that one. You'll just have to read. Honest, it isn't what you're thinking. Grin.
Bottom line, as noted, I thoroughly enjoy this series and the various novellas that pop up periodically. The characters, many of which are elves or.....nah, not telling, are quirky and have personalities all their own. the Dowager Mrs. Claus is a force in her own right and harbors no nonsense but, well, we get to see another side of her here, too. Claire has a surprise for April, too, not to mention Jake. Yikes, is the wedding off? Murder does have a way of dousing one's enthusiasm. In any case, if you're looking for a fun mystery with quirky characters, even if it involves talking reindeer and snowmen, this one is for you. Heck, I normally don't read stuff in the fantasy realm, either, but this one has me hooked. Thanks #KensigntonPublishing and #NetGalley for allowing me to time travel and have this early peek at how SantaLand celebrates Valentine's Day. I'm already waiting impatiently for the next chance to drop in on April Claus and the whole crew. Hope she doesn't eat all the chocolate before I get there.
That's the case here. Who killed elf fireman Sterling Redwinkle just as he seemed about to pop the question to his elf girlfriend Juniper? With a poisoned rose, no less. That's just the beginning. April is on the case but also caught up in preparations for BFF Claire's upcoming wedding to private detective Jake Frost. Yes, related to Jack Frost. Even better (well, maybe....you'll see) she's to be married at Castle Kringle, home of the extended Claus Family. Current Santa Nick is simply holding down the job while waiting for his nephew Christopher to reach adulthood but has proven a caring, wise Santa. April often wishes she had his way with words. Well, when she isn't fretting that the romance is fading this go-round. She even resorts to taking one of those generic magazine quizzes to determine if he's drifting away from her. Yes, they read those magazines in SantaLand, too, it seems. In any case, given her busy schedule, which involves lots of chocolate (a woman after my own heart) and snooping, er, looking into the murder, she barely has time to focus on anything else. She's even desperate enough investigating to descend into Hades. Nope. Not explaining that one. You'll just have to read. Honest, it isn't what you're thinking. Grin.
Bottom line, as noted, I thoroughly enjoy this series and the various novellas that pop up periodically. The characters, many of which are elves or.....nah, not telling, are quirky and have personalities all their own. the Dowager Mrs. Claus is a force in her own right and harbors no nonsense but, well, we get to see another side of her here, too. Claire has a surprise for April, too, not to mention Jake. Yikes, is the wedding off? Murder does have a way of dousing one's enthusiasm. In any case, if you're looking for a fun mystery with quirky characters, even if it involves talking reindeer and snowmen, this one is for you. Heck, I normally don't read stuff in the fantasy realm, either, but this one has me hooked. Thanks #KensigntonPublishing and #NetGalley for allowing me to time travel and have this early peek at how SantaLand celebrates Valentine's Day. I'm already waiting impatiently for the next chance to drop in on April Claus and the whole crew. Hope she doesn't eat all the chocolate before I get there.
December 1, 2025
Fun entertainment where the Christmas Claus's and their elves are getting ready to celebrate love and Valentine's day. Romance is the theme of this book. The Reindeer Muzzle Nuzzle season is about to happen which throws the reindeer into antler pushing jealousies and shirking work responsibilities. Of course what's Valentine's Day without chocolate and candy? The annual chocolate competition is in full swing. And...you can't have a Valentine themed romance book without a wedding, so you have the wedding of the season at the Claus home, Castle Kringle, for Jake Frost and Claire and the upcoming proposal by Sterling Redwinkle to Juniper. Since this is a cozy mystery that means there has to be mayhem and a murder.
There you have it...love and hate are in the air ---Valentine's Day, the wedding of the winter season, a chocolate competition, a pending proposal of marriage and reindeer mating season all superimposed in Santaland. It can be a bit much trying to keep the visual images straight especially when reading this during the real time Christmas season. I t think reading it in February might eliminate any confusion a reader could have.
The characters are endearing and fun and a bit of quirky personalities thrown in to keep the reader amused.
The murderer and the motive kept me guessing to the end. Love was the motive, but not what I thought so that made this a fun read. Definitely whimsical. Definitely light hearted. Definitely fun if you like themed cozy mysteries.
There you have it...love and hate are in the air ---Valentine's Day, the wedding of the winter season, a chocolate competition, a pending proposal of marriage and reindeer mating season all superimposed in Santaland. It can be a bit much trying to keep the visual images straight especially when reading this during the real time Christmas season. I t think reading it in February might eliminate any confusion a reader could have.
The characters are endearing and fun and a bit of quirky personalities thrown in to keep the reader amused.
The murderer and the motive kept me guessing to the end. Love was the motive, but not what I thought so that made this a fun read. Definitely whimsical. Definitely light hearted. Definitely fun if you like themed cozy mysteries.
August 26, 2025
Thank you Kensington Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I hadn't realized this was a series, but it became abundantly clear from the get-go. Unfortunately I didn't find a single character all that appealing. While I enjoyed the over-the-top names and setting (Santaland), I just couldn't connect with anything. The main character, April, is Mrs Claus but besides the prestige that comes with the position it doesn't seem like she does anything helpful or useful with the position. Her husband, Nick, seems absent and their relationship is more like two ships passing in the night. Her mother in law comes off as overbearing and uninterested in her daughter in law. April doesn't seem like a particularly good friend either (re: Claire and Juniper), yet I can't really figure out what she does with at least 60% of her day. She's trying to solve murders with little background, and even then doesn't seem to do a particularly good job of it. She basically runs around accusing people of things and isn't the least big apologetic at the damage done to people's reputations.
The author tries to misdirect so much that it becomes painfully obvious, which took a lot of fun out of reading.
If you're a fan of this series, it will probably still be entertaining.
I hadn't realized this was a series, but it became abundantly clear from the get-go. Unfortunately I didn't find a single character all that appealing. While I enjoyed the over-the-top names and setting (Santaland), I just couldn't connect with anything. The main character, April, is Mrs Claus but besides the prestige that comes with the position it doesn't seem like she does anything helpful or useful with the position. Her husband, Nick, seems absent and their relationship is more like two ships passing in the night. Her mother in law comes off as overbearing and uninterested in her daughter in law. April doesn't seem like a particularly good friend either (re: Claire and Juniper), yet I can't really figure out what she does with at least 60% of her day. She's trying to solve murders with little background, and even then doesn't seem to do a particularly good job of it. She basically runs around accusing people of things and isn't the least big apologetic at the damage done to people's reputations.
The author tries to misdirect so much that it becomes painfully obvious, which took a lot of fun out of reading.
If you're a fan of this series, it will probably still be entertaining.
September 27, 2025
It’s a few days before Valentine’s Day, and April Claus is getting ready for her best friend’s wedding. Claire, a friend from Oregon, is marrying Jake Frost. But as the bridal party is at a dress fitting, someone leaves them a note with a threatening Valentine in it. April isn’t quite sure how seriously to take it. That is, until someone dies the next day at the next dress fitting. Can April figure out who the killer is? Or will the mayhem destroy Claire and Jake’s special day?
This series is a favorite of mine, and this book is no exception. There is so much going on here that I was never bored, even though I figured things out a little early. It was great to spend time with the returning characters, and the new characters fit right into this world. And what a world it is. There is a fantasy element to it, but the mystery is still center stage. The author has done such a great job of world building. It is very sweet and clever and each new detail makes me think “How else would things be?” And yes, I am still laughing and chuckling as I read with a grin on my face the entire way. Don’t miss this series. If you are already a fan, you’ll love this entry.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
This series is a favorite of mine, and this book is no exception. There is so much going on here that I was never bored, even though I figured things out a little early. It was great to spend time with the returning characters, and the new characters fit right into this world. And what a world it is. There is a fantasy element to it, but the mystery is still center stage. The author has done such a great job of world building. It is very sweet and clever and each new detail makes me think “How else would things be?” And yes, I am still laughing and chuckling as I read with a grin on my face the entire way. Don’t miss this series. If you are already a fan, you’ll love this entry.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
October 2, 2025
MRS. CLAUS AND THE VERY VICIOUS VALENTINE is the sixth book in the Mrs. Claus Mysteries by Liz Ireland. This has been one of my favorite series since the very first book, and this newest addition firmly pushes it to the top of my must-reads! Upon the book being delivered to my Kindle, I devoured it just as quickly as I would a piece of my favorite chocolate truffles… which is to say I barely came up for air until I’d read the very last page. And once finished, I wanted more, more, more! Ms. Ireland has created a fantastical cozy mystery setting in the North Pole, and every detail is spot on. The characters are ones you can’t get enough of, from protagonist Mrs. April Claus, to the reindeer caught in a love triangle, to the elves, and snowmen meandering through the streets. And have I mentioned the laugh-out-loud humor? There’s an abundance of chuckles to be had. The author doesn’t forget that this is a murder mystery, and her skills at intrigue are showcased. The clues are well-plotted, and the investigation moves at a quick pace with April Claus taking the lead… it seems the deputies are too busy being involved in a chocolate competition to get distracted by a crime. Once again, Liz Ireland has delivered a story that captured my imagination and my heart!
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 25, 2025
Everyone is getting into the spirit of Valentines Day including all the residents of Santaland. Mrs Claus is busy with the final preparations for her best friend’s marriage to Jack Frost but April realizes something just isn’t right. Her uneasy feelings are borne out by the poisoning of an elf at a fitting for the bridal wear. There are lots of suspects, mostly with romantic entanglements, as well as suspected victims. When a second murder attempt occurs, everyone wonders if the nuptials are cursed or if it has something to do with Valentines Day.
There is certainly no shortage of odd behaviour from the reindeer to the elves to the humans. April feels obliged to figure out what is going on because the local constabulary are far more interested in the chocolate competition April is judging than catching a killer. She is not making any friends with either of the two activities. At the same time, after watching all the romance floating around, she wonders if the light has gone out in her four year marriage to Nick.
All gets resolved in the end, as expected. If you have not yet discovered this series, it is a lot of fun. The world that is created is charming and very clever and the mysteries that April must solve are entertaining. The books are fine as standalones but even better if you have followed the sequence. Five purrs and two paws up.
There is certainly no shortage of odd behaviour from the reindeer to the elves to the humans. April feels obliged to figure out what is going on because the local constabulary are far more interested in the chocolate competition April is judging than catching a killer. She is not making any friends with either of the two activities. At the same time, after watching all the romance floating around, she wonders if the light has gone out in her four year marriage to Nick.
All gets resolved in the end, as expected. If you have not yet discovered this series, it is a lot of fun. The world that is created is charming and very clever and the mysteries that April must solve are entertaining. The books are fine as standalones but even better if you have followed the sequence. Five purrs and two paws up.
July 25, 2025
Dress fittings for Claire's wedding becomes a deadly affair in Christmas Town. Claire and Jake Frost are getting married on Valentine's Day, but someone is not happy about it. Even Claire seems to be having second thoughts. Mrs. April Claus, as her best friend decides to get very involved when fellow bridesmaid, Juniper's boyfriend, Sterling drops dead during what should be the final fittings for the dresses. As festivities for both the wedding and Valentine's Day progress, April is investigating and aggravating elves and snowmen alike. By the time we reached the end of this one, I decided to just avoid Valentine's Day next year though or at least skip the Chocolate Festival and it's many competitions!
This series is always a fun read. The characters invariably make me laugh. At the very least I usually have the culprit on my radar screen, if I haven't identified them by the reveal, but I have to say this one caught me completely off-guard! I had pretty much zeroed in on someone else. Overall this was an entertaining way to spend an afternoon. I ended the day having some laughs and an intense craving for all kinds of tasty treats!
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest review.
This series is always a fun read. The characters invariably make me laugh. At the very least I usually have the culprit on my radar screen, if I haven't identified them by the reveal, but I have to say this one caught me completely off-guard! I had pretty much zeroed in on someone else. Overall this was an entertaining way to spend an afternoon. I ended the day having some laughs and an intense craving for all kinds of tasty treats!
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest review.
December 27, 2025
Claire and Jake are getting married in Santaland. It’s a very busy time for everyone, but especially for April. The Valentine candy competition is happening at the same time, and April is one of the judges. Claire seems distracted, and April is worried that the bloom is off her marriage to Nick, AKA, Santa. They were married only four years ago, but Nick seems to be preoccupied with work, and their romance is long gone. When an elf arrives at the dressmakers with a corsage for his girl, one of the bridesmaids, he falls over dead while presenting it to her. And then, it seems everything goes haywire. April takes it upon herself to search for clues, interview the elves, and solve what appears to be murder. All this must be done in just a few days before Claire’s wedding day. This cozy, like the preceding books in the series, is so much fun. The mystery is intriguing and quite entertaining. The characters are delightful, especially the talking reindeer and snowmen. The setting itself is enchanting. There is romance in the air, even with the reindeer, and a sprinkling of humor lightens the mood. But after all, there has to be a murder or two in a murder mystery, even in Santaland.
September 14, 2025
This is the sixth book in the Mrs. Claus Mystery series by Liz Ireland. I love the author’s fantasy world set in the North Pole. There are a few villages, Santaland is where most of the action takes place.
Firefighter Sterling Redwinkle was about to propose to Juniper, friend of Claire and April. As the investigation progresses, we see April’s dodged a proverbial bullet; the body count increases, and motives run rampant. We even have a reindeers Wobbler and Cannonball vying for the affections of Flouncy a doe from the Vixen herd.
I enjoyed this trip through fantasyland. I can always count on Liz Ireland to pull me out of the real world into the North Pole to visit and investigate strange deaths. The characters are wonderful and unique. The story is well-plotted, fast paced, and in my opinion exciting.
The book is a standalone story but I would read them from the start in order to get a better understanding of the recurring characters.
Netgalley allowed me to read an advanced readers e-copy of the book. These are my opinions. This series always moves to the top of my read pile.
Firefighter Sterling Redwinkle was about to propose to Juniper, friend of Claire and April. As the investigation progresses, we see April’s dodged a proverbial bullet; the body count increases, and motives run rampant. We even have a reindeers Wobbler and Cannonball vying for the affections of Flouncy a doe from the Vixen herd.
I enjoyed this trip through fantasyland. I can always count on Liz Ireland to pull me out of the real world into the North Pole to visit and investigate strange deaths. The characters are wonderful and unique. The story is well-plotted, fast paced, and in my opinion exciting.
The book is a standalone story but I would read them from the start in order to get a better understanding of the recurring characters.
Netgalley allowed me to read an advanced readers e-copy of the book. These are my opinions. This series always moves to the top of my read pile.
September 26, 2025
Here it is- I'm an unabashed fan of this admittedly slightly silly but really bighearted series about April, who fell in love with and married Nick, the real Santa Claus and moved to the North Pole where in addition to being Mrs. Claus, solves crimes. Whew. Her pal Claire, who came to visit and fell in love is about to marry Jake Frost on Valentine's Day but something's off. Claire's acting oddly and then, then, someone poisons Sterling with the thorn of a rose just as he's about to propose to Juniper. Oh, and April's reindeer are fighting over a female deer, forcing her to use her hybrid sleigh at times. April works her way through the suspects to figure out whether Sterling was the real target or was it someone else at the dressmaker that morning? And, April has to judge the annual candy contest. So much happening, so many suspects, so many chuckles. I didn't guess the villain (or initially what's up with Claire). Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A delightful read that made me smile.
October 7, 2025
“Mrs. Claus and the Very Vicious Valentine” is the wonderfully done sixth book in Liz Ireland’s Mrs. Claus Cozy Mystery series – despite the title this book is very cozy. I love this series which features Mrs. April Claus (yes, that Mrs. Claus) as an amateur detective in Santaland. The series is full of elves, talking reindeer, talking snowmen, and of course various members of the Claus family. (The writing is very clever with sly references to cold throughout the book.) This book takes place near Valentine’s and love is in the air - April Claus’s friend, Claire, is getting married to Jake Frost, her elf friend Juniper has a new boyfriend, two reindeer are vying for attention for a doe, although April does wonder if Nick could be a bit more romantic. Mixed in with all of this is a nicely done mystery with just the right number of suspects and some neat twists and red herrings. I thought for sure I knew who the killer was but I was totally wrong.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
September 22, 2025
Another holiday season approaches, and thankfully, we have another entry in the Mrs. Claus Mysteries to help us enjoy it. This time, April Claus is a bridesmaid for her friend Claire's Valentine's Day wedding, and that means endless dress fittings at the Order of Elven Seamstresses. When a murder involving the florist, Holly & Ivy, happens at the order, April's thoughts of Valentine's Day romance will have to wait until the killer is caught. The Mrs. Claus books have wonderful, quirky characters, twisty mysteries, and ridiculous hijinks. They may not be great literature, but reading them makes me happy. In contrast, reading Dickens never makes me happy. I look forward to the next book every year. Mrs. Claus and the Very Vicious Valentine is a satisfying addition to the series. The books can be read in any order, but I suggest starting with the first book, Mrs. Claus and the Santaland Slayings.
October 2, 2025
Mrs. Claus and the Very Vicious Valentine is book #6 in the Mrs. Claus Mystery series by Liz Ireland.
Valentine’s Day is coming and April Claus‘s friend Claire is about to get married. Unfortunately, there’s a murder that April needs to solve, along with all her other duties as Mrs. Santa Claus, for the wedding to take place. This is one of my favorite series. There’s a certain type of book that I consider “brain candy. This book and the others in the series are very entertaining and make me laugh out loud. It’s a perfect escape from reality and the hot weather. I enjoy reading about the Claus family, the reindeer, the inept Constable Crinkles and the cozy jail with fresh baked goods, elves, and snowmen. I find it very entertaining and I always look forward to the next installment.
Thank you to the author, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Valentine’s Day is coming and April Claus‘s friend Claire is about to get married. Unfortunately, there’s a murder that April needs to solve, along with all her other duties as Mrs. Santa Claus, for the wedding to take place. This is one of my favorite series. There’s a certain type of book that I consider “brain candy. This book and the others in the series are very entertaining and make me laugh out loud. It’s a perfect escape from reality and the hot weather. I enjoy reading about the Claus family, the reindeer, the inept Constable Crinkles and the cozy jail with fresh baked goods, elves, and snowmen. I find it very entertaining and I always look forward to the next installment.
Thank you to the author, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
September 4, 2025
Jake and Claire are getting married, the reindeer are vying for female attention, and Valentine’s Day looms. Then, Juniper’s beau is poisoned and it seems someone is more interested in framing the local florist than framing a photo with their sweetheart.
Can April figure out who is killed Sterling while also being days away from Claire’s big day? What’s a matron of honor to do? Mrs Claus will dig in and try to figure it all out, even if she is strapped for time and it could put her on the killer’s naughty list.
This series is SO much fun! I mean, who wouldn’t want to be married to Santa? Even if you have to solve a few murders along the way? the author does a great job at keeping the Christmas theme while still setting the stories at other times throughout the year. It’s fun and cozy while showing a side of the Elves you’ve never seen before.
Can April figure out who is killed Sterling while also being days away from Claire’s big day? What’s a matron of honor to do? Mrs Claus will dig in and try to figure it all out, even if she is strapped for time and it could put her on the killer’s naughty list.
This series is SO much fun! I mean, who wouldn’t want to be married to Santa? Even if you have to solve a few murders along the way? the author does a great job at keeping the Christmas theme while still setting the stories at other times throughout the year. It’s fun and cozy while showing a side of the Elves you’ve never seen before.
September 14, 2025
I received a NetGalley ARC of this book.
I enjoyed this foray back into the world of April Claus and all the ridiculous goings-on at the North Pole. In this cozy mystery, Claire's bridal party is threatened and then an elf is killed via poisoned flowers. As the days count down to Claire's wedding, April has to find and stop the murderer before it's too late!
While I enjoyed this story, at times it felt like there was too much going on. Several background characters were brought to the forefront, and a few new characters were introduced, in addition to the wedding (and a Valentine's Day chocolate competition thrown into the mix!) April felt more isolated in this story, and I missed her conversations with Juniper and Claire. That said, the story was well-written and I look forward to reading the next installment!
I enjoyed this foray back into the world of April Claus and all the ridiculous goings-on at the North Pole. In this cozy mystery, Claire's bridal party is threatened and then an elf is killed via poisoned flowers. As the days count down to Claire's wedding, April has to find and stop the murderer before it's too late!
While I enjoyed this story, at times it felt like there was too much going on. Several background characters were brought to the forefront, and a few new characters were introduced, in addition to the wedding (and a Valentine's Day chocolate competition thrown into the mix!) April felt more isolated in this story, and I missed her conversations with Juniper and Claire. That said, the story was well-written and I look forward to reading the next installment!
February 7, 2026
Liz Ireland continues to impress me with how effortlessly she misdirects the reader. Just when I think I’ve clocked the culprit, she yanks the rug out from under me, every time. The whodunit element in this series is consistently strong, and this installment is no exception.
There were multiple moments where I genuinely wanted to punt Dolly across the room, which honestly is one of my favorite compliments to give a book. If a story can make me feel that strongly, it’s doing something right.
I adore this series and the concept of following Mrs. Claus through different holidays. It’s cozy, clever, and endlessly fun. This Valentine themed mystery was a delight, and I’m already counting down to the next book.
There were multiple moments where I genuinely wanted to punt Dolly across the room, which honestly is one of my favorite compliments to give a book. If a story can make me feel that strongly, it’s doing something right.
I adore this series and the concept of following Mrs. Claus through different holidays. It’s cozy, clever, and endlessly fun. This Valentine themed mystery was a delight, and I’m already counting down to the next book.
October 16, 2025
Claire and Jake are getting married and this winter wedding is going to be a lovely event. April and Juniper are going to be bridesmaids and love is all around. While the bridal party is at the seamstress getting fitted Juniper's boyfriend shows up to give her a corsage. When he pi s on the corsage he gets pricked by a thorn and collapses and ends up dying. The question everyone is asking is who was the poison meant for. Ivy the florist becomes the.main suspect but Mrs. Claus isn't sure it is a c!owed case. Follow along and see if she can figure out.who.the culprit is.so the wedding can go on.
May 20, 2025
I am not a huge fan of holiday-themed stories, but while this technically is (I guess), I just love this quirky series. April’s friend is about to get married, but she’s not acting right. Add to that, a poisoned rose was delivered to the wedding party’s fitting. With the standard cute and funny Christmas-related humor, a well-written plot, and a whodunit sure to please mystery fans, this is a well-written, amusing, and cute tale sure to please fans of all types. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
October 4, 2025
This is a fun, unique series. Even the reindeer and snowmen have personalities of their own, as the deer fight over a date to their Valentine's dance and the snowmen raise money for emergencies. Mrs. Claus has the best job, tasting and judging the elves' candy competition. I really need chocolate after reading about all that. The mystery has plenty of red herrings and misdirection. I look forward to seeing how Claire and Jake's story continues, I'm curious about a new character, and I enjoy seeing what the Clauses are up to.
October 11, 2025
April Claus’s friend Claire and Jake are getting married on Valentine’s Day. Mrs Claus is busy tasting at the chocolate competitions, fittings at the Order of Elven Seamstresses, bachelorette parties, and of course trying to find a poisoner.
This is the 6th book in this series and the series keeps getting better. Wonderful characters, a delightful setting, and great mysteries. With talking snowmen on every corner, reindeer driving the sleighs unless they’re fighting over a new love, this is a book you won’t want to put down.
This is the 6th book in this series and the series keeps getting better. Wonderful characters, a delightful setting, and great mysteries. With talking snowmen on every corner, reindeer driving the sleighs unless they’re fighting over a new love, this is a book you won’t want to put down.
June 14, 2025
This was a very entertaining cozy mystery! I love how the author created an interesting North Pole with a variety of different characters and personalities. The fun elf names were also a welcome addition.
The mystery was definitely an original one; no overused plots exist in this story and by the end, everything is neatly wrapped up. Santa makes a few appearances; he's more of a supporting character, while his wife takes center stage.
I hope to read more books in this series.
The mystery was definitely an original one; no overused plots exist in this story and by the end, everything is neatly wrapped up. Santa makes a few appearances; he's more of a supporting character, while his wife takes center stage.
I hope to read more books in this series.
October 15, 2025
This is book 6 in the Mrs. Claus series. Mrs. Claus is busy helping her best friend Clair plan her wedding to Jack Frost. It's only a few weeks and and the wedding party is at Order of Elven Seamstresses for final fittings. While pinning a corsage on Juniper, Sterling Redwinkle, her new boyfriend drops dead from pricking his finger on a thorn. The murder puts a damper on the wedding and it seems Mrs. Claus may be the next victim if she doesn't stop investigating.
October 21, 2025
Every year, I look forward to the latest addition to the Mrs. Claus mystery series, and this one did not disappoint. However, the book began slowly but gained momentum as it moved along. One has to keep in mind that the books take place in Christmas town and Mrs. Claus is a main character, the stories are not set during the holiday season. But for that reason is why I like the books as it shows Christmas characters outside the traditional holiday season roles.
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