St. Nicholas's Gold: A Harry Fox Origin Story

by Andrew Clawson

An ancient treasure. A beloved Saint. Only Harry Fox can uncover the truth behind it all - if he survives.

Santa Claus brings presents to millions of children every year. How does he do it? Harry Fox thinks he knows - but finding the truth behind Saint Nick can be deadly.

Harry learns that a beloved poem about the jolly fat man is more than a poem - it's a treasure map, a guide to revealing how an obscure Greek bishop became a beloved figure who transcends culture and continues to shape the modern world. A long-lost missive claims Saint Nicholas didn't need reindeer or elves to bring joy to the world. He had a far more practical method. What did he possess?

A massive treasure hoard.

Harry obtains the original copy of the poem and sets off on his quest. Too bad he's not the only one searching for Saint Nick's Gold. Moments after his first steps on the search, Harry is attacked, barely escaping with his life. As he follows the ancient path buried amid one of the most beloved stories of all time, he finds danger lurking at every turn. A capable adversary with a history of uncovering the past will do anything to live up to his famous name - including putting Harry Fox out of business forever.

The deadly path races from ancient Turkey through Renaissance Europe and on to the first Dutch settlers in New York. Harry must navigate the treacherous challenges by deciphering clues hidden in a poem known across the world, all while dodging bullets and deadly surprises left to protect what made Saint Nick's dream come true - a treasure beyond imagination.

Step into Harry Fox's third mission and discover the truth behind the legend that is Saint Nicholas.

Fans of Indiana Jones, Clive Cussler and Ernest Dempsey will love this pulse-pounding series - grab your copy and dive into the adventure today!

170 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 3, 2026

About the author

Andrew Clawson is from Pennsylvania and fervently hopes the Pirates win a World Series in his lifetime.

He is currently writing two series.

The Harry Fox archaeological adventure series involves a Pakistani-American who chases artifacts for the Italian mob. He’s a man caught between two worlds, uncovering history’s greatest treasures while carving out his place in the world.

The Parker Chase series follows a daring banker who unravels forgotten historical mysteries while outpacing modern villains intent on using the past for their own nefarious purposes.

The TURN novels reveal the exploits of a former American big-game hunter turned conservationist who battles to save his adopted African homeland from being ripped apart by greed and violence.

Andrew lives near Pittsburgh with his wife, two young children and a rescued black cat.

Reviews

[Christine]

From the very beginning of the book, “St. Nicholas’s Gold,” the action begins; the book is an exploration story that is both entertaining and a learning experience. The locations of the story include England, Turkey, France, Netherlands, Denmark, and New York City. The author, Andrew Clawson, has a talent for writing action scenes and has put together an interesting and complex historical fiction book that has been thoroughly researched.
In this telling, the protagonist, Harry Fox, interprets Clement Moore’s original poem and illustrations to begin an exploration for the possible location of the gold that is associated in writings about the Turkish holy man Nicholas who was a bishop, and then Saint Nicholas.
The resulting story adds interest to the real historical facts about the person that Saint Nicholas was and gives insight as to how he is associated with the modern character who is known as Santa Claus. This is such an interesting story that it goes by quickly. After the story ends, the author has included an epilogue where the author, Andrew Clawson, explains what is factual and what is fictional about the history and locations in his story. It is fascinating to learn about how talented the author is at creating an adventure story, and to learn some factual medieval and mythological history about St. Nicholas.
The author has a unique way of writing that I can identify as his. It could benefit with some gentle editing. I would rate this book a 4.5, but I rounded the rating up to 5.0.
I read an Advanced Reader Copy of the book and this is my honest review.

[Darren Bourn]

I have been fortunate enough to be on Andrew Clawson's ARC list since the very beginning of the Harry Fox tale.

This is the latest "origin" story for Harry Fox (I think that I may have missed the last two....MEA CULPA) in which he starts on the search for a treasure whose clues have been hidden in the map that is part of an early addition of a now-famous poem, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. It is a fast-paced story that starts in London and takes him across Europe before an interesting conclusion in New York. Harry has to decide who he can trust and who he cannot trust to help him find the treasure. The Author's Note at the end of the book is always fascinating to me as the reader learns what parts of the story are true, partially true, and which parts are from the author's imagination.

I really enjoyed how the author is able to blur the lines between fact and fiction, as I found the story to be one that readers of action-filled novels would enjoy.

I would rate this book a solid four stars out of five.

As with all reviews, this is just my five cents worth.

[Madeleine Rees]

I am privileged to be on the Advance Readers Team for Andrew Clawson and was happy to see this book show up in my email last week. This Harry Fox Origin Series book did not disappoint this Harry Fox fan.

This book is the next installment in the Harry Fox Origin Series. This one has Harry in search of treasure from a map cleverly hidden in a now famous poem, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. It is a fast paced story that starts in London and takes him across Europe before an interesting conclusion in New York. Harry has to decide who he can trust and who he cannot trust to help him find the treasure. The Author's Note at the end of the book is always fascinating to me as the reader learns what parts of the story are true, partially true and which parts the author's imagination.

While this could be read as a stand alone story, I recommend that you start with Book 1 in the series, The Midsummer Treasures, followed by Book 2, The All Hallows Icon.

The story ends with the reader knowing that Harry will soon be on another adventure and I can't wait to read The Cupid Cipher.

[Scott Marlow]

What can I say…this is the third installment of the Harry Fox origin stories. If you’ve made it this far, I’m sure you’re already a fan of Harry Fox and his many exploits as a Relic Hunter. This adventure will keep you riveted to your seat as Harry pursues his most illusive treasure, St. Nicholas’s Gold. History’s buffs will delight at learning about the man and legend behind the World’s favorite holiday. With locations like London, the Turkish Isles and the Netherlands, Harry’s leads us on a merry chase. Author Andrew Clawson’s literary prowess is on full display with vivid descriptions of locales both modern and ancient. So what can I say? Simply this: Read “St. Nicholas’s Gold” and you may never look at Christmas the same way again.

Spoiler alert: You’ll want to keep this one away from the kids…at least til they are older.

[Allison Valentine]

Hold on to your hats people as Harry Fox is back! Boy, oh, boy, oh, boy, and what a come back it is.

I'll never be able to read the poem 'Twas the Night Before Christmas' in the same light again. Harry was sent to London by his treasure hunter father Fred to purchase an organic original copy of the famous poem.

What he discovers is that in the manuscript is a picture of old St. Nick himself but within the picture hides a treasure map that takes him to the Island of Gemiler situated in Turkey.

Unfortunately for Harry trouble is never far behind and the dastardly baddie Remy Carter is on his tail, especially as Remy has just engaged the help of Sofia Clemente, who will stop at nothing to recover the lost gold.

A fantastic and gripping pulse-pounding ending that concludes in New York.

If you love fast-paced action then St. Nicholas Gold is the book for you.

[Sue Palmer Crosby]

Harry is on the move again. This time his interest is in an original copy of the poem by Clayton Moore “The Night Before Christmas. But, then again, so is someone else. Using the illustrations on the original as a map Harry is off and running trying to chase down St Nicholas’ gold, along with two others. But, are the friend or foe? And, will he be able to survive whatever is thrown onto his tracks as he navigates the clues? Stay tuned …

[Sheila Walker]

Don't always believe that the past is a fairy tale

Ive always enjoyed Harry's adventures though some quite dangerous as this was. One man just wanted status and one woman just wanted to be rich while Harry wanted the adventure and know the history. I recommend this book help Harry find the truth and next clues

[Gina Kelley]

Indiana Jones meets St. Nick

The Harry Fox stories are always a good bit of fun, but the origin stories are delightful. This one left me with a big grin on my face & a warm fuzzy feeling.

My one suggestion: it should have had a Christmas release!

[Judi Greinke]

So much history and imagination went into this story.

Imagination and historical input makes this story one of the best. Can't wait to start the next book and see hoe Harry Fox survives his next adventure.

[Margaret]

Beyond Fabulous!!!

Well written as always all Clawson's stories, but this one is based on the most charming of ideas. Absolutely priceless, in more ways than one! I just adored it!!!

[Michael Arnold]

Received as ARC. Very enjoyable, with fantastic characters and story line. Surprising ending.

[Linda Holt]

I enjoyed this book a lot. The story line is quite original, with a lot of interesting historical info. Still had action and danger. I wasn't ready for it to end.

[Mary]

Fun read with a couple of twists. Harry was pretty naive about a few things but then he was younger in this story and apparently still had a lot to learn.

[Charles Sexton]

Wonderful Story

Truly enjoyable and heartwarming. Stories about Saint Nicholas always make warm fuzzy reading.I really liked this book. I really did.