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Mrs. Claus #1
Mrs. Claus and the Santaland Slayings
It's the first Christmas in Santaland for April Claus--but it may also be her last unless she can uncover a villain with a killer Christmas wish. . .
Love is full of surprises--though few compare to realizing that you're marrying the real-life Santa. April Claus dearly loves her new husband, Nick, but adjusting to life in the North Pole is not all sugarplums and candy canes. Especially when a cantankerous elf named Giblet Hollyberry is killed--felled by a black widow spider in his stocking--shortly after publicly arguing with Nick.
Christmastown is hardly a hotbed of crime, aside from mishaps caused by too much eggnog, but April disagrees with Constable Crinkle's verdict of accidental death. As April sets out to find the culprit, it'll mean putting the future of Christmas on the line--and hoping her own name isn't on a lethal naughty list . . .
Love is full of surprises--though few compare to realizing that you're marrying the real-life Santa. April Claus dearly loves her new husband, Nick, but adjusting to life in the North Pole is not all sugarplums and candy canes. Especially when a cantankerous elf named Giblet Hollyberry is killed--felled by a black widow spider in his stocking--shortly after publicly arguing with Nick.
Christmastown is hardly a hotbed of crime, aside from mishaps caused by too much eggnog, but April disagrees with Constable Crinkle's verdict of accidental death. As April sets out to find the culprit, it'll mean putting the future of Christmas on the line--and hoping her own name isn't on a lethal naughty list . . .
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 29, 2020
328 people are currently reading
2715 people want to read
About the author
Liz Ireland
66 books261 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 348 reviews
September 30, 2020
Mrs. Claus and the Santaland Slayings by Liz Ireland is the first book of a new cozy mystery series. As with most cozy mystery series this first book contains a full mystery that is solved so it can be read as a standalone with the next book moving onto a new mystery.
April Claus was a regular woman living in the U.S. when she met Nick, the man she just knew she’d be spending the rest of her life with. What April didn’t know or suspect at the time was that the wonderful Nick she was going to marry was none other than THE Santa Claus.
Now April finds herself living in Santaland at the North Pole trying to adjust to her new surroundings as her first Christmas as Mrs. Claus is quickly approaching. However, someone in Santaland was not full of Christmas spirit when Giblet Hollyberry, one of the elves, was found murdered with all eyes on Santa himself as Nick had just had a disagreement with the cantankerous elf.
I have to say I was a bit back and forth on this new cozy when I began reading it. I guess I was expecting more of a holly jolly lead character with the setting of the story but April was certainly not all Christmas cheer and more of a normal person. However, once you get going all the surroundings of the story certainly all full of Christmas-y references and certainly brought a few laughs along the way. In the end I decided this one fell around 3 1/2 stars for me as I did like where it went even if it took a while to warm up more to the main character.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
April Claus was a regular woman living in the U.S. when she met Nick, the man she just knew she’d be spending the rest of her life with. What April didn’t know or suspect at the time was that the wonderful Nick she was going to marry was none other than THE Santa Claus.
Now April finds herself living in Santaland at the North Pole trying to adjust to her new surroundings as her first Christmas as Mrs. Claus is quickly approaching. However, someone in Santaland was not full of Christmas spirit when Giblet Hollyberry, one of the elves, was found murdered with all eyes on Santa himself as Nick had just had a disagreement with the cantankerous elf.
I have to say I was a bit back and forth on this new cozy when I began reading it. I guess I was expecting more of a holly jolly lead character with the setting of the story but April was certainly not all Christmas cheer and more of a normal person. However, once you get going all the surroundings of the story certainly all full of Christmas-y references and certainly brought a few laughs along the way. In the end I decided this one fell around 3 1/2 stars for me as I did like where it went even if it took a while to warm up more to the main character.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
September 29, 2020
I received an advance copy of this book from net galley and Kensington publishing in return for an honest review. Release date for this book is 29 Sept 2020
Though I really liked the concept of this cozy mystery, I just couldn’t get into the story. It was extremely obvious from the beginning who the killer was and the tempo was just a bit off to me. The sugary sweetness of the North Pole was also taken to the extreme, I was afraid I might get a tooth ache. This book will definitely find its audience and they will love it but for me, it just wasn’t my cup of tea or should I say hot chocolate
Though I really liked the concept of this cozy mystery, I just couldn’t get into the story. It was extremely obvious from the beginning who the killer was and the tempo was just a bit off to me. The sugary sweetness of the North Pole was also taken to the extreme, I was afraid I might get a tooth ache. This book will definitely find its audience and they will love it but for me, it just wasn’t my cup of tea or should I say hot chocolate
September 23, 2020
I have been dragging out reviewing this book because I simply don't know how I feel about it. I didn't particularly like or dislike it. It kept me entertained enough but didn't thrill me in any way. It was an easy book to go through but I also fear it is easy to forget.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
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ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
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September 29, 2020
Though I really liked the concept of this cozy mystery, I just couldn’t get into the story. It was extremely obvious from the beginning who the killer was and the tempo was just a bit off to me. The sugary sweetness of the North Pole was also taken to the extreme, I was afraid I might get a tooth ache. This book will definitely find its audience and they will love it but for me, it just wasn’t my cup of tea or should I say hot chocolate.
June 8, 2023
Loved this delightful christmas story! 😁.
The characters were amazing, the story itself was great and i genuinely did not know who the murderer was until we are told at the end!
Brilliant, funny and sanataland cosy. A great read to set you up in time for christmas. Liz ireland has another two stories in this series and i will be reading them. I love a good christmas story and im glad i found this little gem
The characters were amazing, the story itself was great and i genuinely did not know who the murderer was until we are told at the end!
Brilliant, funny and sanataland cosy. A great read to set you up in time for christmas. Liz ireland has another two stories in this series and i will be reading them. I love a good christmas story and im glad i found this little gem
October 22, 2020
Extremely cute and unique cozy mystery. There is a new Mrs. Claus in town and there are elf slayings happening in Santaland. Can Santa be the killer? Such fun to read it flows and is a quick read. Recommended.
December 27, 2022
This was high camp, like the names and the places, hilarious. The mystery was actually pretty solid and I enjoyed the cast of characters. Just something fun for the Christmas season!!
October 14, 2020
Wow, this book was very enjoyable. April is married to Santa Claus for three months after dating him for only three months and she is whisked off to Santa land. The book starts off with a murder of an elf, who was not very likeable in his community. Before the day he was murdered, he had an argument with Nick (Santa Claus). And now all fingers are pointed at Santa for murdering Giblet the elf. And even April herself is not sure of whether her husband is innocent. She has doubts but mostly she has faith that her husband is innocent. And out she goes to investigate the truth and we come across the myriad of characters in Santaland and Tinkertown. The book has elfs, talking reindeer, moving snowmen. The mystery was good, I guessed the murderer pretty early but that's okay. Overall, this was an entertaining book.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read this book.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read this book.
December 24, 2020
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery set at the North Pole with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Mrs. Claus, aka April from Oregon, married a man that was visiting her inn during the summer. She knew he was Santa but decided to marry him anyway. When they get back to Santaland, there are a series of murders - an elf, a snowman and before that Chris, the eldest brother and current Santa. Nick (April's husband) is looking guilty, but Jake Frost is called in to investigate.
I really enjoyed the setting, the characters and the mystery of the crimes. I did figure out who the culprit was before the author "announced" it at the end of the story. Really fun read at this time of year.
I really enjoyed the setting, the characters and the mystery of the crimes. I did figure out who the culprit was before the author "announced" it at the end of the story. Really fun read at this time of year.
September 22, 2020
April’s life changed completely when she learned Nick, the man she had fallen in love with, was Santa Claus. Now, she’s spending her first Christmas at the North Pole as Mrs. Claus. However, the stress of the holiday is nothing compared to the death of an elf. Giblet Hollyberry was not an especially popular elf, but his death comes the day after he had a very public fight with Santa. While the rest of the Claus clan doesn’t seem that concerned, April worries that the evidence is pointing toward her new husband. The North Pole isn’t normally a hotbed of crime, but it seems someone is doing their best to put Santa on the naughty list this year. Can April keep that from happening?
At its heart, this book is a cozy mystery, and it is a wonderful one. There are enough suspects, secrets, and clues to keep the reader engaged the entire way through the book. It’s the setting that makes the book stand out, and it is wonderfully done. It took me a bit to get the pictures from countless specials and movies out of my head, but April’s new world soon came fully to life for me. The characters, whether they are human or not, are very real, and I enjoyed meeting them here. And the book is overflowing with Christmas cheer – so much so that I had to start listening to some Christmas music while I was reading it. This book definitely deserves a place at the top of your nice list. I’m already looking forward to the sequel.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
At its heart, this book is a cozy mystery, and it is a wonderful one. There are enough suspects, secrets, and clues to keep the reader engaged the entire way through the book. It’s the setting that makes the book stand out, and it is wonderfully done. It took me a bit to get the pictures from countless specials and movies out of my head, but April’s new world soon came fully to life for me. The characters, whether they are human or not, are very real, and I enjoyed meeting them here. And the book is overflowing with Christmas cheer – so much so that I had to start listening to some Christmas music while I was reading it. This book definitely deserves a place at the top of your nice list. I’m already looking forward to the sequel.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
August 27, 2020
Mrs. Claus and the Santaland Slayings by Liz Ireland introduces readers To April and Nick Claus. A Christmas cozy mystery with a new look at the North Pole community and the families who reside there.
Newly married April has been in mild shock ever since she realized that her new husband is currently THE Santa Claus. She struggles through most of the story to integrate into Nick's world at the North Pole. Even though Ms. Ireland took time to introduce the characters, I never really felt a connection to April or Nick.
A smoothly paced plot and the mystery is well-crafted with several twists and a dramatic reveal. April is determined to solve the murders in her new home and remove the suspicions around Nick.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
Newly married April has been in mild shock ever since she realized that her new husband is currently THE Santa Claus. She struggles through most of the story to integrate into Nick's world at the North Pole. Even though Ms. Ireland took time to introduce the characters, I never really felt a connection to April or Nick.
A smoothly paced plot and the mystery is well-crafted with several twists and a dramatic reveal. April is determined to solve the murders in her new home and remove the suspicions around Nick.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
September 30, 2024
I read this for a book club. This is an entertaining and unique cozy mystery. The characters are interesting. The mystery is well plotted with plenty of twists and turns. I recommend this bio to cozy mystery fans and fans of Holiday mysteries.
October 2, 2020
It's always a pleasure to start a brand new cozy mystery series (I am assuming here it is part of a series) and this instalment, Mrs. Claus and the Santaland Slayings written by Liz Ireland certainly proved to be no exception!
The reader soon meets the star of the show, April Claus, who runs a B&B in Oregon. In this novel, she waves goodbye to her B&B to travel to the North Pole. Newly married to Nick, she finds herself living in the very cold Kringle Castle along with her new husband's family, and Nick is none other than... Santa Claus! After an elf fails to win first place in the ice sculpture contest, the said elf has a tantrum, witnessed by the whole town, and is later found dead... April is horrified when Nick is considered by the police to be the number one suspect and lends her support.
I thought this was a highly entertaining, really solid start to the series. I enjoyed Liz Ireland's wonderful characterisation of April who was rather befuddled and scatterbrained, though she handled her interfering mother-in-law very well. April stepped in to do some investigating herself, aided by Jingles, Santa’s head elf, as she didn't trust Constable Crinkles, Deputy Ollie and Detective Jake Frost. She was also kept busy trying to keep up with her other duties as Mrs Claus.
Suspects, secrets, and clues were in plentiful supply and I was totally engaged in this magical tale for its entirety. With no let-up in the fast-paced plot, the author masterfully interwove intoxicating descriptions of the setting. This was so expertly done that I could readily imagine and sense all that protagonist April did, completely bringing the setting to life. There was Christmas cheer, reindeer games, and singing of Christmas Carols, with oodles of humour, puns and wit. Liz Ireland's writing captured my complete attention and I didn't put this one down. The book was such a fun read and I was on a merry-go-round of doubt as I puzzled over the mystery.
All in all, Mrs. Claus and the Santaland Slayings is a top-notch novel. I will certainly be returning to see what April is getting herself into next! Very highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
The reader soon meets the star of the show, April Claus, who runs a B&B in Oregon. In this novel, she waves goodbye to her B&B to travel to the North Pole. Newly married to Nick, she finds herself living in the very cold Kringle Castle along with her new husband's family, and Nick is none other than... Santa Claus! After an elf fails to win first place in the ice sculpture contest, the said elf has a tantrum, witnessed by the whole town, and is later found dead... April is horrified when Nick is considered by the police to be the number one suspect and lends her support.
I thought this was a highly entertaining, really solid start to the series. I enjoyed Liz Ireland's wonderful characterisation of April who was rather befuddled and scatterbrained, though she handled her interfering mother-in-law very well. April stepped in to do some investigating herself, aided by Jingles, Santa’s head elf, as she didn't trust Constable Crinkles, Deputy Ollie and Detective Jake Frost. She was also kept busy trying to keep up with her other duties as Mrs Claus.
Suspects, secrets, and clues were in plentiful supply and I was totally engaged in this magical tale for its entirety. With no let-up in the fast-paced plot, the author masterfully interwove intoxicating descriptions of the setting. This was so expertly done that I could readily imagine and sense all that protagonist April did, completely bringing the setting to life. There was Christmas cheer, reindeer games, and singing of Christmas Carols, with oodles of humour, puns and wit. Liz Ireland's writing captured my complete attention and I didn't put this one down. The book was such a fun read and I was on a merry-go-round of doubt as I puzzled over the mystery.
All in all, Mrs. Claus and the Santaland Slayings is a top-notch novel. I will certainly be returning to see what April is getting herself into next! Very highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
December 13, 2020
This imaginative novel is a real Christmas treat. April, an inn owner, meets Nick Claus, one of the Clauses. Soon, they are married, living in Christmastown, and April is experiencing her first December there. A shadow, though, hangs over the merry village. Nick’s older brother had died in an accident during the past year. Then, an elf is murdered, and a snowman is melted, and it looks like Nick is guilty of both deaths. April is going to prove that he is innocent, or else. This delightful tale is filled to the brim with fascinating people and unusual animals, including talking reindeer. The mystery is an exciting one, the writing is excellent, and the whole package will keep you flipping pages. This book is like an unexpected gift - you can’t wait to open it, and when you do, you realize it’s just what you wanted. Highly recommended.
September 22, 2021
I enjoyed this just not as much as I thought I would. I'd hope for a more whimsical story line and wound up with a pretty typical cozy heroine in a somewhat bizarre setting. The elves, reindeer, and living snowmen all make an appearance but they could all easily have been replaced by quirky characters in a more traditional cozy setting like a small English village. However I liked it enough to want to get the next book in the series due out next week. The Halloween themed book upcoming release is what prompted me to start this series.
October 15, 2021
Such a fun cozy! The Santa Clause meets murder mystery.
January 6, 2021
I absolutely adored this fun Christmastime story that included a Candy Cane Factory in Tinkertown. There were murders of unlikely, novel characters. And with fun names such as a detective named Jack Frost, Constable Crinkles, and Jingles among others.
I love that April, Mrs. Claus, and Santa Claus had a true and loyal love. She had his back as things began to happen, creating an unusual year for them. They say that love covers all sins and there isn't anything you won't do for someone you love. Well, I think April proved that and she also showed that she's a strong woman.
It's now past Christmas, but I'd recommend putting this one on your list for next year or even go ahead and read it now. It's just goo fun.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for a free ecopy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
#MrsClausandtheSantalandSlayings #NetGalley
I love that April, Mrs. Claus, and Santa Claus had a true and loyal love. She had his back as things began to happen, creating an unusual year for them. They say that love covers all sins and there isn't anything you won't do for someone you love. Well, I think April proved that and she also showed that she's a strong woman.
It's now past Christmas, but I'd recommend putting this one on your list for next year or even go ahead and read it now. It's just goo fun.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for a free ecopy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
#MrsClausandtheSantalandSlayings #NetGalley
October 7, 2023
This series is irresistible! The Mrs. Claus mystery series takes place at the North Pole. That's right Santa is real and he just got married to a woman he met while on vacation in Oregon. We follow along as April Claus adjusts to married life in a place like no other.
In the Santaland Slayings a very unlikable elf is murdered and Mrs. Claus has to investigate. Not only is Santaland not used to having a murderer running loose but Santa himself is a suspect.
The names of the characters alone, like Constable Crinkles and Jingles, will have you smiling. Santaland is a cold and charming place. Snowmen can talk. Reindeer can be pets. There is a coffee shop called We Three Beans. Everything is magical and fun yet feels real. Besides that though we have a really good mystery. The clues were there but I was too distracted by the elf giddy over a snowmobile.
I had such a good time in Santaland I didn't want to leave. Which is why I immediately bought the second one and it's a Halloween theme! This series is quirky but it doesn't take long to settle in. Things run differently here but underneath all the red and green is a series that will make you feel right at home.
In the Santaland Slayings a very unlikable elf is murdered and Mrs. Claus has to investigate. Not only is Santaland not used to having a murderer running loose but Santa himself is a suspect.
The names of the characters alone, like Constable Crinkles and Jingles, will have you smiling. Santaland is a cold and charming place. Snowmen can talk. Reindeer can be pets. There is a coffee shop called We Three Beans. Everything is magical and fun yet feels real. Besides that though we have a really good mystery. The clues were there but I was too distracted by the elf giddy over a snowmobile.
I had such a good time in Santaland I didn't want to leave. Which is why I immediately bought the second one and it's a Halloween theme! This series is quirky but it doesn't take long to settle in. Things run differently here but underneath all the red and green is a series that will make you feel right at home.
March 31, 2021
April Claus is newly married and spending her first Christmas in Santa Land. But when her husband is accused of murder, she has to convince herself that he is not guilty. Disappearances in the middle of the night don't help. Multiple incidences lead to hard evidence that her husband, Santa, is guilty. Despite some mishaps that leave her wondering if she should just go back to Oregon, she manages to solve the crimes and keep her husband from a life in jail. Overall it was a good book and interesting read. There were some characters that could have been developed more, but I am looking forward to reading the next installment... Mrs Claus and the Halloween Homicide.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2022
Such a fun, cozy Christmas mystery! A nice change of pace from a holiday romance. Don't get me wrong, I love a great Hallmark Christmas story, yet this one was a nice turn from those. Look out, this one could make my list just because it was so much fun! Can you imagine getting married to find out he may be Santa Claus! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one and looking forward to the next in this series.
August 5, 2021
I thought this book was fun and very unique. Lots is happening and unexpected. Was surprised by the end. Just because you're in Santaland doesn't mean you should trust everyone.
November 28, 2020
Mrs. Claus and the Santaland Slayings by Liz Ireland is the perfect marriage of a cozy mystery, historical drama, and fantasy. It was a fun romp through Santaland with talking reindeer (and many are still jerks), really crabby elves, abominable snow creatures that hunt the residents, and snowmen who live so long they know all the secrets. You also get a Downton Abbey vibe with the Claus family being the ones who would be living in the Upstairs and everyone else is the Downstairs.
I thought the killer was a bit easy to figure out, but that’s not the only reason one reads a cozy mystery. And even when the killer was caught, they didn’t come off as a completely bad person… it does take place during the most magical time of the year after all!
I’m not sure if this is going to be a series, but I do hope so. I would love to get more backstory on April and Nick, not only their wedding, but about them too. And I would love to revisit a lot of the characters. There is just something about a person/creature who is supposed to always be happy, turning out to be cranky and wanting to rebel. I could easily see this being turned into a movie with awesome special effects. Here’s hoping.
I thought the killer was a bit easy to figure out, but that’s not the only reason one reads a cozy mystery. And even when the killer was caught, they didn’t come off as a completely bad person… it does take place during the most magical time of the year after all!
I’m not sure if this is going to be a series, but I do hope so. I would love to get more backstory on April and Nick, not only their wedding, but about them too. And I would love to revisit a lot of the characters. There is just something about a person/creature who is supposed to always be happy, turning out to be cranky and wanting to rebel. I could easily see this being turned into a movie with awesome special effects. Here’s hoping.
December 12, 2022
Super cute cozy mystery!
July 24, 2021
This book wasn’t what I thought it would be. For one thing, it portrays Santaland in a way that I never thought of it. I always believe Santaland would be a happy place. I get that as the last Santa had recently passed away in an accident, (or was it?), some sadness would be there but this was beyond sadness. I would have never guessed so many in Santaland, including Santa’s own mother, were mean. Not even in Rudolph or with the misfit toys, the dentist elf or even little Fenwick was their so much negativity. I am not trying to sway you from reading this book. If you are looking for something that is not the usual happy Santaland story, this is your book! The mystery was a good one. Certainly a lot of characters could have been the culprit so you will have a lot to choose from. I might have given this a higher rating if it hadn’t been such a shock to my inner child and if I hadn’t been left with so many questions. For instance April, our sleuth and the current Mrs Claus, met her husband, dated a week, I think, agreed to marry him and after hearing he was Santa went off with him to Santaland. I would have enjoyed a lot more detail on that. I mean you know a guy a week who tells you he is Santa and you go off with him? Were you not sitting next to him with a voice in your head screaming at you, “Ted Bundy alert! You are going off with a lunatic to die in the woods. Maybe no one will find you. Get out! Get out!” Then she finds out there was a murder and her husband Ted, oops, I mean Nick, is the suspected killer. There were a few other things I was left with a need for more information on. Still,I was able to enjoy the mystery. I will probably read the next book because it is set at Halloween, I am hoping it was December stress and death for the negativity and we have a lighter mood in Santaland and I am looking forward to maybe some answers. The next book will be the deciding factor on whether or not I continue the series. I have started out books not enamored but by the second to third book the series totally picked up. My advice would be to try it if you are interested. We all bring our own feelings and expectations into our reading enjoyment. My three star could be your five star. Read it and find out.
March 15, 2025
4.75 🌟
Mood/Seasonal Reading: Christmas of course!
I loved this! Maybe it’s the time of year or the fact that I was so eager to read it I gave up searching for an audiobook and read it as an ebook on my phone (I hate reading like this). But this really hit the nail on the head for me. Exactly what I wanted. This also has the honour of being my goodreads goal book for the year (60 books!) so maybe that added to my affection for it.
I enjoyed the less than perfect North Pole setting while still maintaining the magic. Our main character April is trying to adjust in an entirely new life and I found her enjoyable and understandable. Sometimes a main character can feel frustrating in these cozies but I found all of her actions and feelings to be both accurate and fair. While the side characters all benefitted from unique personalities that made it so I was almost never confused. While this could have been a perfect little cozy with Mrs. Claus in a perfect version of the North Pole I think it was an introduction to a more realistic version and issues a new Mrs. Claus would face (for the record I stand by the fact that I would be perfect for the job).
I will say I did find her relationship with Santa to be a tad worrisome. While it seems to be one that may build they are supposed to be married. There was a lot of secret keeping and a lack of major affection I would expect from newly weds. So much so I was wondering if this would turn into a love triangle at some point.
My only other complaint is the killer. Not who I would’ve picked and left a tad sour taste in my mouth but the lead up to the reveal was very engaging. I often found myself hooked by chapter endings of this book so I had to read on and that’s a major positive from a mystery novel.
I will absolutely pick up the next book in the series.
Mood/Seasonal Reading: Christmas of course!
I loved this! Maybe it’s the time of year or the fact that I was so eager to read it I gave up searching for an audiobook and read it as an ebook on my phone (I hate reading like this). But this really hit the nail on the head for me. Exactly what I wanted. This also has the honour of being my goodreads goal book for the year (60 books!) so maybe that added to my affection for it.
I enjoyed the less than perfect North Pole setting while still maintaining the magic. Our main character April is trying to adjust in an entirely new life and I found her enjoyable and understandable. Sometimes a main character can feel frustrating in these cozies but I found all of her actions and feelings to be both accurate and fair. While the side characters all benefitted from unique personalities that made it so I was almost never confused. While this could have been a perfect little cozy with Mrs. Claus in a perfect version of the North Pole I think it was an introduction to a more realistic version and issues a new Mrs. Claus would face (for the record I stand by the fact that I would be perfect for the job).
I will say I did find her relationship with Santa to be a tad worrisome. While it seems to be one that may build they are supposed to be married. There was a lot of secret keeping and a lack of major affection I would expect from newly weds. So much so I was wondering if this would turn into a love triangle at some point.
My only other complaint is the killer. Not who I would’ve picked and left a tad sour taste in my mouth but the lead up to the reveal was very engaging. I often found myself hooked by chapter endings of this book so I had to read on and that’s a major positive from a mystery novel.
I will absolutely pick up the next book in the series.
November 16, 2021
Book 1 I absolutely enjoyed this book. There are Santa 🎅, talking Reindeers, walking Snowmen, Elves Jake Frost ( Jack Frost distant cousin) These are Awesome books. April would of told you that she did not believe in Santa since she was 5 years old. But hey She got married to a Santa Nick she met him at Vermont in her Inn there that he was vacation. That married only 3 months after that. . In Santaland it was a magical little town.There were killings going around with an Elf a Walking Snowman Charlie and ( 6 months ago. Nick' s brother) Christopher died suspiciously. Nick' family was Christopher( the first Santa) and older brother out of the boys and Lucia the girl that could never be Santa cause it was just men. And Martin the youngest that was going to have to Owner of Candy Cane Factory all his life . And Christopher son Chris ( 10 years old) that will take over when he gets older. Since Christopher died Nick took over for now.Everyone in Dental and thought that Nick was the one who killed all these people to get the power and always be Santa. Did April really he know him just after 3 months that they knew each other and were married. Love this book. It has all kinds of Charactes like Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer , and Frosty the Snowman , all kinds of elfs . From when I was growing up. I recommend this book of you like like the reminance that LIZ describes in these books. Can't wait to read the 2 one. That one will have a Halloween story
December 9, 2021
Review originally posted on A Keyboard and an Open Mind 09 December 2021:
When I walked past this book at the library, I had to pick it up. A cozy mystery with Santa as the prime suspect? My theory was it would be enjoyable even if it turned out to be a case of “so bad it’s good”.
I was actually taken by surprise by how in depth the world-building was! It was so over-the-top cheesy festive, but it worked. There were elves and talking reindeer, and even sentient snowmen. It was fun!
I liked amateur sleuth, April Claus, and her and Nick’s valet, Jingles. The overbearing mother-in-law, Pamela Claus, was also great – she was so fussy and prim and reminded me strongly of my grandmother!
I have to admit, though, that I wasn’t overly fussed on the rest of the rest of the Claus family. While it is clear that Nick Claus has taken on the mantle of Santa somewhat unwillingly, he just seemed… so un-Santa-like. It was a bit jarring.
I know some of the other reviews have said the identity of the murderer was obvious from the beginning. I had the opposite problem, in that I felt I hadn’t really seen enough of this character, and the things that pointed towards them as the murderer either weren’t clear or I missed them. So I was just a bit “meh” about the whole revelation.
Still, this was a fun, seasonal read with a unique twist!
When I walked past this book at the library, I had to pick it up. A cozy mystery with Santa as the prime suspect? My theory was it would be enjoyable even if it turned out to be a case of “so bad it’s good”.
I was actually taken by surprise by how in depth the world-building was! It was so over-the-top cheesy festive, but it worked. There were elves and talking reindeer, and even sentient snowmen. It was fun!
I liked amateur sleuth, April Claus, and her and Nick’s valet, Jingles. The overbearing mother-in-law, Pamela Claus, was also great – she was so fussy and prim and reminded me strongly of my grandmother!
I have to admit, though, that I wasn’t overly fussed on the rest of the rest of the Claus family. While it is clear that Nick Claus has taken on the mantle of Santa somewhat unwillingly, he just seemed… so un-Santa-like. It was a bit jarring.
I know some of the other reviews have said the identity of the murderer was obvious from the beginning. I had the opposite problem, in that I felt I hadn’t really seen enough of this character, and the things that pointed towards them as the murderer either weren’t clear or I missed them. So I was just a bit “meh” about the whole revelation.
Still, this was a fun, seasonal read with a unique twist!
April 16, 2021
This was exceptionally well written for a cozy. Not to put down cozies, because I thoroughly enjoy them, but there was enough action and enough intrigue that it was difficult to figure out who the culprit was. I will definitely read book two.
December 5, 2021
Super cute cozy mystery for Christmas. I love all the Christmas traditions! Will be reading more of this series, I'm excited to see whats going to happen next in SantaLand!
October 7, 2020
Who doesn’t love a Santa story. This book was a fun, fast and easy read. The names of the characters are priceless. This was just the book I needed right now.
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