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St. Nick
When Santa Claus is a cop, you better watch out. It’s not looking like a very merry Christmas for San Diego cop Nick Pappas. Suspended from his job, alienated from his family, and persecuted by the press, he’s sorely tempted to turn his gun on himself. Except for his first name, he couldn’t possibly have less in common with jolly old St. Nicholas. But when a local mall decides it needs a secret Santa to help collar some vicious muggers preying on its holiday shoppers, Nick’s persuaded to red-suit up so as to take the naughty punks down and avert a ho-ho homicide. For a chance to bust bad guys, Nick’s willing to deal with crying kids, pushy parents, and a chronically cheerful “elf” sidekick. But the biggest challenge for this cop-turned-Claus is one that would confound even the real Kris making a pair of next-to-impossible Christmas wishes come true for two children in need…before it’s too late.
MP3 CD
First published November 5, 2013
202 people are currently reading
937 people want to read
About the author
Alan Russell
24 books290 followersFollow Alan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/alanrussellmysteryau...
Alan Russell is the author of The Last Good Dog, the sixth book in the #1 bestselling series featuring LAPD detective Michael Gideon and his K-9 partner, Sirius.
In 1990 Walker & Company published Alan's first book, No Sign of Murder, which received positive reviews, including a standalone rave from The New York Times. The work was followed up by The Forest Prime Evil and comedic mysteries The Hotel Detective and The Fat Innkeeper, which won him the Lefty Award, given to the best humorous mystery of the year, and a Critics’ Choice Award. His novel Multiple Wounds, a psychological thriller, earned him a nomination for both an Anthony Award and the Macavity Award for best novel of the year. Russell then published Shame, a novel of psychological suspense. His novels Exposure, Political Suicide, A Cold War, and The Homecoming, have been categorized as suspense novels. Alan is also the author of St. Nick, a Christmas Cop Novel, and the Gideon & Sirius novels, which include Burning Man, Guardians of the Night, Lost Dog, Gideon's Rescue, L.A. Woman, and The Last Good Dog.
Alan Russell is the author of The Last Good Dog, the sixth book in the #1 bestselling series featuring LAPD detective Michael Gideon and his K-9 partner, Sirius.
In 1990 Walker & Company published Alan's first book, No Sign of Murder, which received positive reviews, including a standalone rave from The New York Times. The work was followed up by The Forest Prime Evil and comedic mysteries The Hotel Detective and The Fat Innkeeper, which won him the Lefty Award, given to the best humorous mystery of the year, and a Critics’ Choice Award. His novel Multiple Wounds, a psychological thriller, earned him a nomination for both an Anthony Award and the Macavity Award for best novel of the year. Russell then published Shame, a novel of psychological suspense. His novels Exposure, Political Suicide, A Cold War, and The Homecoming, have been categorized as suspense novels. Alan is also the author of St. Nick, a Christmas Cop Novel, and the Gideon & Sirius novels, which include Burning Man, Guardians of the Night, Lost Dog, Gideon's Rescue, L.A. Woman, and The Last Good Dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 236 reviews
December 27, 2016
3.5 stars. A good cozy of a tough cop who through circumstances beyond his control gets talked into playing Santa in a mall for Christmas. It was pretty good but I had a hard time sticking to the story, could be the season?
December 24, 2016
What an excellent read. I listened to the audio and was invested in Nick, the shoppers at the mall and two kids in particular: Laura and Raymond. This book is able to break your heart and then melt it. It can make you weep with joy and sadness. I was just as interested in what would happen to nick the cop as I was in what would happen to nick clause. I would hate to give anything away, much of my enjoyment came from the many surprises this book has. There is much more to this book than just a suspended cop contemplating suicide that ends up as a Santa in a mall where the muggers are having a wonderful time. He's undercover. There are many levels to this one so put your seat belt on and go for a great ride.
November 24, 2017
Heartwarming? Yes. Predictable? Maybe. But a letdown? No. I really liked this book since it was a classic Christmas story, but not your run-of-the-mill holiday romance.
December 1, 2017
Sappy Hallmark Scroogey story, but it holds together.
December 26, 2014
This was the perfect Christmas book for me. Just the right amount of skepticism mixed in to make it fun.
The mystery was more like a subplot to the greater story of Nick's survival of a tragic episode that happened in the line of duty (he's a cop).
There were defiantly some tear jerking moments, but overall a inspiring Christmas story.
The mystery was more like a subplot to the greater story of Nick's survival of a tragic episode that happened in the line of duty (he's a cop).
There were defiantly some tear jerking moments, but overall a inspiring Christmas story.
December 27, 2021
A cop on suspension gets roped into being a mall Santa Claus. The story has some funny moments and some sad moments, but over all a feel-good Christmas story that's not too sappy.
December 22, 2014
I absolutely loved this one- had everything. A cop story, romance and sentimental Christmas stories. Nick is suspended from the police force pending an investigation and estranged from his family- he is finding life hard. His old partner persuades him to take on a couple of days undercover looking for muggers targetting a local shopping mall. The only problem is - he's undercover as Santa Claus!
The Chief Elf is determined to spread Christmas cheer and gets him involved in some other Santa duties which get him in contact with a reporter.
He also meets a little boy in hospital who dreams of seeing snow one last time- can Santa make his dream come true?
The storyline was totally unexpected - but loved every page. I will look out for more by this author.
Many thanks to Net Galley for a copy of this book.
The Chief Elf is determined to spread Christmas cheer and gets him involved in some other Santa duties which get him in contact with a reporter.
He also meets a little boy in hospital who dreams of seeing snow one last time- can Santa make his dream come true?
The storyline was totally unexpected - but loved every page. I will look out for more by this author.
Many thanks to Net Galley for a copy of this book.
December 16, 2013
The premise is great: A suicidal cop on suspension accepts a security job at a local shopping mall, only to learn that he's expected to work undercover as the mall's Santa. What we have here is the potential for another BAD SANTA, or a fun Schwarzenegger-esque comedy like JINGLE ALL THE WAY or KINDERGARTEN COP.
Instead, Russell decides to go the TOUCHED BY AN ANGEL route. Nothing really wrong with that; it's just not my bag. ST. NICK tries so hard to be uplifting that it quickly got on my nerves. And, once you realize the book was written with a Hallmark movie-of-the-week mentality, the story becomes as predicable as a straight line. Bah Humbug to that!
Instead, Russell decides to go the TOUCHED BY AN ANGEL route. Nothing really wrong with that; it's just not my bag. ST. NICK tries so hard to be uplifting that it quickly got on my nerves. And, once you realize the book was written with a Hallmark movie-of-the-week mentality, the story becomes as predicable as a straight line. Bah Humbug to that!
May 4, 2017
This was my second reading of this book and I loved it just as much the second time around. I think it is a wonderful, feel good book without being too maudlin or sappy. In fact it has just enough skepticism to make it feel real and believable. I really enjoyed seeing Nick transform from being a man at the end of his rope to someone who could make such a difference in so many people's lives. Definitely a 5 star read that I recommend. It will keep you laughing and crying at the same time.
December 10, 2018
My husband and I enjoyed reading this one together.
January 17, 2017
St. Nick by Alan Russell is a true modern-day Christmas story. It's a book that everyone who celebrates Christmas, or wants to understand what Christmas is about, should read. And it should be read closer to Christmas, as it is in its own way, a preparation journey to Christmas.
I read it expecting it to be a crime thriller set against the backdrop of winter. But I was pleasantly surprised.
It's a story about believing in the good things in life, about having hope, about giving hope, about bringing joy to people, about falling in love, about everything that's positive in humanity.
I like the way, Mr Russell has taken the myth of Santa Claus and made it into an icon. In a way that makes the reader remember what Santa Claus is really all about. All the goodness that he represents. I like how he has taken that element and weaved it into the character of Nick Pappas.
As the story progresses, we see how Nick's life is transformed, how he begins focusing on the positives, how he begins to believe in himself. And how he learns that life is equally about making certain others are happy and cared-for, as it is about ensuring that we are happy. He finds his redemption in ways he never thought possible.
I like the prose, the pace, the elements of Christmas, the humour, and the message of the book.
I read it expecting it to be a crime thriller set against the backdrop of winter. But I was pleasantly surprised.
It's a story about believing in the good things in life, about having hope, about giving hope, about bringing joy to people, about falling in love, about everything that's positive in humanity.
I like the way, Mr Russell has taken the myth of Santa Claus and made it into an icon. In a way that makes the reader remember what Santa Claus is really all about. All the goodness that he represents. I like how he has taken that element and weaved it into the character of Nick Pappas.
As the story progresses, we see how Nick's life is transformed, how he begins focusing on the positives, how he begins to believe in himself. And how he learns that life is equally about making certain others are happy and cared-for, as it is about ensuring that we are happy. He finds his redemption in ways he never thought possible.
I like the prose, the pace, the elements of Christmas, the humour, and the message of the book.
December 17, 2014
The story starts out very briefly as a “bad” Santa type theme which had me thinking it was going to be gritty but have a feel good message too. Well, I was mistaken as it quickly turned into a Hallmark movie - very saccharin sweet, predictable and clichéd. However, if you love those types of books and movies than you will appreciate it a whole lot more than I did.
December 27, 2016
Not bad for a Christmas book. A little hokey but cute and entertaining.
December 28, 2018
This was just the kind of Christmas book I was looking for - a strong, sustained Christmas mood and a good story which was heartfelt without being too sappy. I chuckled, I got the shivers, I was touched (even shed a few tears). It's about a suspended policeman whose life opens up by playing Santa as a favor for an old friend.
The book is divided into "episodes", which confused me until I found out it was originally released as a Kindle Serial.
The author has also written the detective series "Gideon and Sirius" ("Burning Man") which I also recommend.
The book is divided into "episodes", which confused me until I found out it was originally released as a Kindle Serial.
The author has also written the detective series "Gideon and Sirius" ("Burning Man") which I also recommend.
December 7, 2018
What a wonderful Feel Good book!!!
I love this writer. I loved this book. Two separate story lines that somehow merge at the ending. This is the perfect time of year to read this type of book.
I love this writer. I loved this book. Two separate story lines that somehow merge at the ending. This is the perfect time of year to read this type of book.
November 20, 2025
For a Christmas story, it’s one of the better ones that I’ve read. Sweet, but with more substance than your typical holiday read.
December 22, 2018
Good holiday story. Could be referred to as a “Hallmark movie” but found it much more exciting than that. And less sappy. Well written and just good story telling.
December 22, 2014
I sit here on December 21st, 2014, the Sunday before Christmas. In the past few weeks, I have read and reviewed several Christmas themed books. All of them were somewhat magical, as befitting the genre. All of them dealt with different parts of holiday legends; Claus, Elves, Jack Frost, Magical Snowmen, the DEA, and the realization of hopes and dreams. I figured I had reached my quota of Christmas stories for the year and I could now safely return to military fiction, thrillers, mysteries, and a smattering of sci-fi.
It was Sunday morning, with nothing planned for the day, so I opened my gmail to check on the day's offerings from the many book locating services I subscribe to. In this case, it was BookBub and the genre was Mysteries. Scrolling down the list, I stopped at a cover showing a Red & White bullseye, with a picture of Santa as the center, and the title, "St. Nick", in calligraphic font over the bullseye. Up in the corner, over the Star of Bethlehem, were the words "A Christmas Cop Novel" and I saw the author was Alan Russell. Now, I was familiar with Mr. Russell's work, and have several of his older (from the 1990s) hardcover books on my shelves, but never thought of him writing a Christmas story. I clicked on the cover, to take me to the Kindle store, so I could read the synopsis and glance at the reviews. What the heck, one more Christmas story could not be too much; after all I was not currently editing or even Beta reading for anyone and tomorrow started two weeks of no school for Christmas Break. I am comfortable reading several things at once, so I would start this story, read till it started to drag, then put it aside in favor of something exciting.
Clicked the appropriate button to put this on my Kindle Unlimited account (imagine, a home library with almost 3/4 of a million books on your shelf) and opened it up. I was floored by the dedication: "To the children that Santa couldn't get to". The Table of Contents was a list of my favorite Christmas carols, each chapter a different, significant carol suggesting the theme for that chapter. I remembered that Russell was a good writer, but this story grabbed me by the front of my shirt, shook me around like a Lab with a play toy, and threw me bodily into my recliner where I stayed for the rest of the day until I had finished the book. I am so glad I did not see this story when it came out as a Kindle serial, it would have driven me crazy waiting for each episode. I laughed out loud, I worried about the characters (really great writers can make you do that), and I cried as Nick came to terms with his new job, his past, his sense of duty, but most of all with himself and his future.
This story has everything you need; good guys becoming more than they ever imagined, elves coming to terms with a tragic loss, a "lost" little girl finding that there is hope and joy in the world, very sick children finding happiness even in the cancer ward, people learning to get over their natural mistrust of one another, and to top it off, five pro football offensive linemen, dressed as Santas, delivering presents to "forgotten" children. Oh yes, a promise of "snow" in San Diego, made to a very sick young man. If you have also read your quota of Christmas stories this year, expand it for one more. You will not be sorry, but most of all you will remember what it was like to look up into the night sky, wondering if reindeer really knew how to fly.
It was Sunday morning, with nothing planned for the day, so I opened my gmail to check on the day's offerings from the many book locating services I subscribe to. In this case, it was BookBub and the genre was Mysteries. Scrolling down the list, I stopped at a cover showing a Red & White bullseye, with a picture of Santa as the center, and the title, "St. Nick", in calligraphic font over the bullseye. Up in the corner, over the Star of Bethlehem, were the words "A Christmas Cop Novel" and I saw the author was Alan Russell. Now, I was familiar with Mr. Russell's work, and have several of his older (from the 1990s) hardcover books on my shelves, but never thought of him writing a Christmas story. I clicked on the cover, to take me to the Kindle store, so I could read the synopsis and glance at the reviews. What the heck, one more Christmas story could not be too much; after all I was not currently editing or even Beta reading for anyone and tomorrow started two weeks of no school for Christmas Break. I am comfortable reading several things at once, so I would start this story, read till it started to drag, then put it aside in favor of something exciting.
Clicked the appropriate button to put this on my Kindle Unlimited account (imagine, a home library with almost 3/4 of a million books on your shelf) and opened it up. I was floored by the dedication: "To the children that Santa couldn't get to". The Table of Contents was a list of my favorite Christmas carols, each chapter a different, significant carol suggesting the theme for that chapter. I remembered that Russell was a good writer, but this story grabbed me by the front of my shirt, shook me around like a Lab with a play toy, and threw me bodily into my recliner where I stayed for the rest of the day until I had finished the book. I am so glad I did not see this story when it came out as a Kindle serial, it would have driven me crazy waiting for each episode. I laughed out loud, I worried about the characters (really great writers can make you do that), and I cried as Nick came to terms with his new job, his past, his sense of duty, but most of all with himself and his future.
This story has everything you need; good guys becoming more than they ever imagined, elves coming to terms with a tragic loss, a "lost" little girl finding that there is hope and joy in the world, very sick children finding happiness even in the cancer ward, people learning to get over their natural mistrust of one another, and to top it off, five pro football offensive linemen, dressed as Santas, delivering presents to "forgotten" children. Oh yes, a promise of "snow" in San Diego, made to a very sick young man. If you have also read your quota of Christmas stories this year, expand it for one more. You will not be sorry, but most of all you will remember what it was like to look up into the night sky, wondering if reindeer really knew how to fly.
December 25, 2022
BeYONd lovely. I mean, the kind of lovely that makes you happy when you sob Super Ugly Sobs!
A super duper Fave
My Full Review →
A super duper Fave
My Full Review →
December 30, 2015
This was a fabulous book. So very different from the other book of author, Alan Russell, that I read, titled "Shame" http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008....
Mr. Russel HOOKED me in when I read Shame, made a believer out of me of his talents, which are extraordinary, I now see. This book is a mystery, like "Shame" was, but that is as far as the likeness goes.
This is a FEEL GOOD book, to me at least, a book of redemption of a lost soul. A "FEEL GOOD" book, a book that left me wanting to read MORE of his works!
WAIT, That sounds EXACTLY like what 'Shame' did, too! But, no, in THIS book, we have a man who had lost his way, a police officer whose actions have made HIM question his very existence. Nearly suicidal, he finds his way, and in doing do quite nearly DOES become a Saint. The book details what happened in the life of this Lawman, and how he came to BELIEVE, not only in himself again, but in the goodness of others, all the while he is nearly DRUG, kicking and screaming (or belly-aching & moaning) into becoming a Great Man.
(Slowly getting all those BACK reviews done, too. WHEW!)
Mr. Russel HOOKED me in when I read Shame, made a believer out of me of his talents, which are extraordinary, I now see. This book is a mystery, like "Shame" was, but that is as far as the likeness goes.
This is a FEEL GOOD book, to me at least, a book of redemption of a lost soul. A "FEEL GOOD" book, a book that left me wanting to read MORE of his works!
WAIT, That sounds EXACTLY like what 'Shame' did, too! But, no, in THIS book, we have a man who had lost his way, a police officer whose actions have made HIM question his very existence. Nearly suicidal, he finds his way, and in doing do quite nearly DOES become a Saint. The book details what happened in the life of this Lawman, and how he came to BELIEVE, not only in himself again, but in the goodness of others, all the while he is nearly DRUG, kicking and screaming (or belly-aching & moaning) into becoming a Great Man.
(Slowly getting all those BACK reviews done, too. WHEW!)
December 21, 2023
I really enjoyed re reading this sweet Christmas story during Christmas week!
Every month when I rent a book from the Amazon Lender's Library I see this book and I keep putting it off until the next month. I did that for over a year but I finally decided to rent it and I am so glad that I did! This is everything a book lover could want in a Christmas book. There is a little mystery, a bit of redemption, a bit of a love story and everything else you want.
Nick Pappas is on leave from the police force after a a shooting. He feels all alone, down ad pretty hopeless until his ex partner who now works as Mall security calls and tells Nick he needs his help. It seems that shoppers are being robbed and beat up and Nick is the perfect person to help. The problem? Nick needs to dress up as the mall Santa. Though dead set against it he finally agrees to give it a go and see what happens. Little does he know playing Santa will not just change his life but also change the lives of some of the people he comes into contact with. Nick is really a character you care about and root for. Fair warning....there will more than likely be tears, sad and happy tears.
Every month when I rent a book from the Amazon Lender's Library I see this book and I keep putting it off until the next month. I did that for over a year but I finally decided to rent it and I am so glad that I did! This is everything a book lover could want in a Christmas book. There is a little mystery, a bit of redemption, a bit of a love story and everything else you want.
Nick Pappas is on leave from the police force after a a shooting. He feels all alone, down ad pretty hopeless until his ex partner who now works as Mall security calls and tells Nick he needs his help. It seems that shoppers are being robbed and beat up and Nick is the perfect person to help. The problem? Nick needs to dress up as the mall Santa. Though dead set against it he finally agrees to give it a go and see what happens. Little does he know playing Santa will not just change his life but also change the lives of some of the people he comes into contact with. Nick is really a character you care about and root for. Fair warning....there will more than likely be tears, sad and happy tears.
December 26, 2017
I've been in a crazy holiday-themed reading stream. For a lark, I picked up an audible book - St Nick by Allen Russell. What a whim. Even though it is totally outside my normal reading choices I enjoyed it immensely. Raymond made me cry happy & sad tears and Mitchell the Basset Hound made me laugh out loud in public. Nick is the kind of character I like too much but I avoid like the plague because they make me feel too much. Allen Russell wrote a sweet adult story that touched on some incredibly heavy subjects but somehow he was able to make it light and loving and funny and full of compassion.
One year later: I read this again because I'd thought about it off & on throughout the year and I wanted to know, was this really as good as I thought it was? I decided to skip the parts I knew would get me all misty. Guess what...I cried anyway. It really what's that good.
One year later: I read this again because I'd thought about it off & on throughout the year and I wanted to know, was this really as good as I thought it was? I decided to skip the parts I knew would get me all misty. Guess what...I cried anyway. It really what's that good.
August 23, 2022
Bah, humbug!
Sorry, but I didn't enjoy this at all, and can't believe I stuck with it to the end. Rather than Crime and Mystery, this should be in the Fairy Tale section. If you've seen Miracle on 34th St and similar stories, you'll know exactly what is going to happen here. I was hoping there was going to be something original or surprising, but was sadly disappointed.
I can see that I'm very much in a minority, perhaps it might seem better if read over Christmas in the Christmas spirit, or perhaps I'm just an old cynic, but it definitely wasn't for me.
Sorry, but I didn't enjoy this at all, and can't believe I stuck with it to the end. Rather than Crime and Mystery, this should be in the Fairy Tale section. If you've seen Miracle on 34th St and similar stories, you'll know exactly what is going to happen here. I was hoping there was going to be something original or surprising, but was sadly disappointed.
I can see that I'm very much in a minority, perhaps it might seem better if read over Christmas in the Christmas spirit, or perhaps I'm just an old cynic, but it definitely wasn't for me.
December 23, 2014
I received this book as a digital ARC from the publisher through Net Galley in return for an honest review.
The idea of having a cop as Santa Claus is somewhat original but the story itself lacks of suspense.
The reader can feel the author's sense of humor and the Christmas' joy comes up during the narrative.
A quite enjoyable reading for a free afternoon.
December 29, 2016
I saw this on sale and said to myself ‘A Christmas cop story? I think I’ll give it a try’. While not being what I expected I thoroughly enjoyed it. The story of how Nick Pappas creates holiday cheer in Southern California is perfect for the holiday season. The story is a well written holiday tale for those who like the type of story like ‘A Christmas Carol’. Do yourself a favor and pick it up!
January 2, 2017
Don't let the bullet holes in the bullseye target cover fool you. This is not a Bad Santa or even a Bad Cop Santa book but rather a seasonal cozy with a redemptive story line. Probably its closest parallel is "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens with grouchy suspended policeman Nick Pappas getting the Christmas spirit through his encounters while playing mall Santa while actually on stakeout for a gang of muggers targeting shoppers. Nothing deep here but a fun seasonal read (or listen).
March 30, 2016
St. Nick is a beautiful tale with everything you could want from a good Christmas read. I loved all the characters, they were relatable and believable. This is my first experience with this author and I'm hoping he has more stories with these characters. If not I'm looking forward to see what other books he has or has planned. :)
October 10, 2014
Touching and heart warming
this is a great heart warming book to read on the holidays..u will find yourself reading this book in one night...truely a great book...will read more by him
this is a great heart warming book to read on the holidays..u will find yourself reading this book in one night...truely a great book...will read more by him
December 24, 2016
Great Christmas story where everything turns out how it's supposed to. A little mystery, a little love and a whole lot of Santa! I was listening as I was Christmas shopping and the book came to an end. It was a bit embarrassing to be standing in Walmart with tears running down my cheeks.
July 27, 2017
Easy
A mystery does not have to contain a murder it can contain Santa Claus and snow on yes and reindeer. This is a sad happy miracle St. Nick story good from beginning to end
Thanks to Alan Russell for another great book.
A mystery does not have to contain a murder it can contain Santa Claus and snow on yes and reindeer. This is a sad happy miracle St. Nick story good from beginning to end
Thanks to Alan Russell for another great book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 236 reviews