The Santas

by D.J. Molles

Santa's helpers don't always dispose of bodies, but that's what Tucker Smith is doing right now. Specifically, the body of his own Santa - one of thousands worldwide - who was just murdered in an apparent random act of violence. Now, Tucker will have to somehow manage to deliver Christmas to his assigned region while he struggles to patch things up with his family, all while training the replacement sent to him by The Organization and trying to uncover the mystery of who killed Santa. And there's only five days left until Christmas.

Genres: Christmas, Fiction, Holiday, Mystery, Ebooks, Audiobook

229 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 25, 2020

About the author

D.J. Molles became a New York Times and USA today bestselling author while working full time as a police officer. He's since traded his badge for a keyboard to produce over 20 titles. When he's not writing, he's taking steps to make his North Carolina property self-sustainable, and training to be at least half as hard to kill as Lee Harden (his most popular protagonist).

Molles also enjoys playing his guitar and drums, drawing, cooking, and “shredding that green pow” on his Onewheel.

Most nights you can find him sitting on the couch surrounded by his dogs and family, trying to stream an hour of Netflix with his really sketchy satellite internet connection.

Are you interested in becoming a writer? I've started a video series called "Lessons in Writing" which you can find on all my socials.

Follow on IG & FB @djmolles
TikTok @djmollesauthor

Reviews

[Peter Topside · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read quite a few really great holiday stories these past few weeks. And this was another example of a talented author putting a really creative spin on some of the more traditional lore. Tucker works for The Organization, which is an unknown entity that funds the delivery of goods and services to families/accounts around the holidays. And there are different Clauses that work different areas with their assistants, who are people like our main character, Tucker. And no, he's not an elf. He's an ex-police officer with a good heart, who has found himself burned out. So Tucker has dedicated a tremendous amount of time and effort into bringing holiday cheer to his accounts that he has neglected the needs of himself and his family. So there is some really great character depth to Tucker, as he is faced with a large amount of professional and personal obstacles, all testing him, to see if he can redeem himself and 'find his light' once again. And the way that he and his Clause divulge information about their accounts/families, it just gives you the warm and fuzzies as you see how much these supposed holiday miracles benefit them all. And I you could pretty much tell how the ending was going to play out, but it kept true to the premise and was a very well done finale. And while there are a lot of serious themes and elements here, there is a good deal of humor, too, all balances beautifully. Again, I feel like I'm tossing out perfect ratings lately, but man do books like this earn that sort of praise for all the right reasons.

[Vickie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a sweet, inspiring story to get into the Christmas season! I received this Advanced Reader Copy not knowing what to expect. I'm so used to Molles' phenomenal action-packed thrillers, so this was quite the change of pace. But it was such a delightful story, highlighting the spirit of giving. Just what I needed heading into the holiday season after the way 2020 has gone. Thank you DJ Molles for a wonderful Christmas story!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book. It was the perfect time to read it. It started with a bang and much confusion but there was so much wisdom, magic, light, and hope without being ridiculously sappy. There was still real life, heartbreak, crushed spirits, and bad people to balance the hopeful spirit. There were a lot of quotes that spoke to me. I have a hard time at Christmas. It’s too busy and I’ve lost my joy. My absolute favorite thing about Christmas is sitting in a dark room looking at the lights on the tree. And yet we haven’t found the time to put a tree up. This book smacked me upside the head and entertained me at the same time. It was a lovely quick read that completely surprised me.

[Avery LuBell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was excellent!!! It read like a mashup between The Santa Clause and a buddy cop parody movie XD! I love the idea that Santa Claus is a charity organization that offers a variety of social outreach programs for families in need. The ending was a liiittle saccharine, but I mean.... it's a Christmas story, so... But mixed amongst the levity and happily ever after were REALLY really poignant moments addressing anxiety, seasonal depression, the stress of winter on those with meager means, parental guilt, marital stress from miscommunication and martyrdom - layers and layers and layers of human truths, light and dark. This book was beautifully written, I feel like I had a highlight on every page XD. I almost cried near the end, I was so wrapped up in the message about providing the warmth you want to see in the world. Someone will have a problem with it, I'm sure, especially the ending, which seems to say, "Anxiety is a state of mind that you can talk yourself out of and just CHOOSE to be happier!" Somebody's not going to like that XD. But for a Christmas story, I thought it was marvelous!

[JulieAnn Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This turned out to be such a heartwarming and enjoyable story. Nick, the previous philanthropic Santa in this town, was murdered and now Tucker wants to find out who did it and why. Meanwhile, a new Santa must be trained in time to check all the families off the list. A mix of murder and mystery, with some feel-good generosity.

I was not expecting this story to be so touching! Several times, I had tears in my eyes while reading certain passages. I enjoyed going through Tucker’s journey of self-discovery and strengthening of his character. A lot of times as a reader, I felt how high the stakes were - there were several times when I thought “Tucker you don’t have time! Go back and make sure the job gets done”. The degree and number of emotions that this book elicited from me was a testament to how great this book was. Overall, very uplifting and a definite must-read!

[Jeremiah Cunningham · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a lot you don't know about Santa.

Santa's helpers don't always dispose of bodies, but that's what Tucker Smith is doing right now. Specifically, the body of his own Santa--one of thousands worldwide--who was just murdered in an apparent random act of violence. Now, Tucker will have to somehow manage to deliver Christmas to his assigned region, while he struggles to patch things up with his family, all while training the replacement sent to him by The Organization, and trying to uncover the mystery of who killed Santa. And there's only 5 days left until Christmas.

I picked up The Santas by D.J. Molles as just a fun holiday read. Well it fulfilled that, but it also sparked some really interesting thoughts. So I hope you will indulge me with this unusual review.

“To show others that, at least once a year, we’re capable of remembering that we’re not all separate tribes of people, that our lives are not in competition to each other – we’re in this together.” ~ D.J. Molles in The Santas

The world can be a very competitive place. We spend a lot of time thinking about positions, formulating arguments, and ultimately trying to win our battles. Because of this we often develop an us vs. them mentality. While that mentality has its place and we need to be prepared to defend our positions, it can also quickly wipe the humanity and compassion out of us. When it does the world becomes a dark place.

This time of year happens to naturally be the darkest time of the year. We are near the winter solstice and the amount of sunlight we get each day is minimal. What a beautiful thing it is that in the midst of that darkness we decorate our yards and trees with lights, we decorate our homes with lights, and we share that light with others. In the very midst of the darkness, we take specific actions to bring light, and not just regular light, but amazing light to the world we inhabit.

Let us remember that this is also one of the darkest seasons mentally for many people. That is made even worse this year. After 9 months of a world wide pandemic, the enormous loss of life, the separation, and the change in livelihoods many are experiencing an emotional and mental darkness unique to this year. Already, before our current pandemic, we see one of the highest rates of suicide at this time of year.

With that, first of all, please remember that if you are experiencing that darkness there are many resources for mental health. Please take advantage of those resources.

But also, let us remember that we have the option to turn aside the darkness that can be created in our world and choose to be the light for others. Let us remember at this time of year (and honestly at others too) that we are capable of not being separate tribes. That we are capable of setting aside the us vs. them approach. Let us remember that we can choose to bring light to those around us. Let us be the light that shines in the darkest time of year.

Whatever your traditions, beliefs, and customs are – I wish you the merriest of seasons – but more so I wish you to be the light for yourself and others that we all need.

Thank you to this author for this book that was supposed to be just fun but stirred me greatly.

[Daniel Fenti · Rating 5 out of 5]

"This little light will shine - I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine..."

This is a fun little story, seemingly taking you down a path that many of us have read many times, but then the magic happens and we are all better for it.

I didn't do so well in school when I had to write book reports, and it's the same with a review like this. I don't know what it was EXACTLY that turned the light on in the story, and I don't care. I care that while I was reading the last third of it, I never set it down. I care that it made me FEEL something, and in this case it made me FEEL excited and happy and hopeful.

Yesterday I ready a story about a local charity, Military Mission In Action, who published a letter form one of their veterans. That vet was down to his last day, as his TBI and PTSD had twisted his mind to believe that his family and the world would be better off without him. MMIA showed up with a little something for the family, and that vet saw the light.... I'm not saying that MMIA is "the Organization" in this story, but I AM saying that you will never see both of them in the same room at the same time.

I've not been as low as that vet in a long, long time, but reading this book made feel a lot better and I like that effect. Good reading, people, and as I have written since stealing it from Frannie Goldsmith, herself a character in a Stephen King book - "Stand in Light.

[Darcia Helle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Santas is a feel-good Christmas murder mystery!

I feel you side-eyeing me. Yes, it’s possible to get all the holiday magic while trying to solve a murder. DJ Molles totally made it work.

Wow, this story is unexpectedly deep. I’m still processing. I want to say a whole lot about it, but I won’t because no spoilers. Just know this is a poignant journey full of thoughtful insight, humor, hope, and love.

I’ll leave you with one of my favorite quotes from the book:

“It is a simple choice, because there are really only two options. You can fight evil with righteous anger, or you can be a source of good.”

[Mitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

And just like that a new tradition is born. A must read for Christmas, every year. Who knew DJ could break away from the savage world of The Remaining to write a Christmas story that will certainly tug on those heart strings? Haha. There were moments throughout that will grip you and catch you off guard as the story unfolds and comes back around to the true meaning of why we come together at the darkest time of the year to celebrate this thing called Christmas. Shine a light folks and Merry Christmas!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful story and not what I expected. If you are looking for a Christmas story that is unlike any other, this one is for you. The Santas is an organization that places a Santa and a Santa's helper in territories all over that help families who are in need with not only material items but things like babysitting so that you can make it to job interviews and replacing broken parts in cars so you can make it to to work. All done anonymously. This is a feel-good, wish I could work for an organization like this story.

[Judy Dew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a little slow. I just finished reading The Santas in February. I enjoyed the book. The blurb makes it sound very violent but I didn't think it was. I'm not saying there's no violence just not as much as the blurb indicated. I'd love for there to be a real well funded organization that helps people especially at Christmas. The central focus of the book, to me, was what did Tucker want to do going forward and how he was going to resolve his family's issues. He's a former cop who became Santa's helper. His stress about everything has made his family life harder. Can he fix everything?

[Richard Brulotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Merry Christmas To One And All!

When I started this book, it seemed to be a mystery dealing with the shooting death of a would be Santa Claus. Little did I know that it was about the mystery of what Christmas is all about. Tucker and Mr. C work miracles and try to help everyone — knowing full well that it is impossible. This definitely brought tears of happiness and joy to my eyes without being too sappy and rates right up there with “A Christmas Carol “ for a good holiday read!

[Lori Leger]

Christmas Magic!

I didn't know quite what to expect when I chose this book for our bookclub read. It was perfect for our bunch of ladies and exactly what I needed to get me in the mood for Christmas!
Tucker's role in The Organization had been a strain on him the last year, testing his connections to his own family. Will he figure out his own business before it's too late? This Santa story is tough and gritty and well worth the read. Well done!

[Kelly Smelcer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, excellent holiday read!

I read this entire book in a single day. It's that good.

When Tucker's business partner, Nick, calls him late at night saying he's been shot, Tucker rushes to help, but he's too late. In a rush to find the killer in top of his already hectic holiday schedule, Tucker must figure out what order his priorities go in before he loses everything, specifically his family.

Dive into this excellent holiday movie today! You won't regret it!

[Derek Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! I usually just throw some stars for a rating and move on but felt compelled to write something. As usual, D.J. makes you fall in love with the characters (Claus especially) and you really care about what ends up happening to everyone. The ending had me in happy tears and then joyfully fist pumping the air.

Mr. Molles, please write a sequel! I need to see John and Tuck doing their thing!

[Abigail Hammond · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s really easy to get caught up in the darkness in our world. It’s even easier to become jaded and cold towards others, people whose lives and circumstances we don’t even know. This book is a reminder that darkness can never overcome the light, that love drives out fear, and that though we can’t help everybody, everybody deserves to be helped. This book captures what the Christmas season is all about in a beautiful way. I can’t recommend it enough ❤️🎄

[Sara Gerot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I kind of felt like I new what this would be like from the book description but it was even better than I imagined. Excellent holiday story that wasn't too sticky sweet, and featured some fun characters. The trauma experienced by those who are trying to do good for others, the pain of watching/hearing the suffering was not something I saw coming, but I was really interested in the way this book handled it.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story! This isn't D.J. Molles's normal style of writing that I've come to be acquainted with, but the story itself kept me turning the pages. I can truthfully see this becoming a movie at some point as the author really has a winner here in this book. An amazing read around Christmas time, and I hope you'll indulge yourself and give this a read!!

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I may have just been feeling particularly vulnerable but I found this story to be very moving. It is a bit strange in that it takes place in a world where there's a very wealthy corporation that employs a lot of Santas and Santas' helpers but there's no set up for this world - the reader is just dropped into it with no explanation.

Nonetheless, I enjoyed it and would recommend it.

[Lisa Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful!

Tuck is an ex- cop and a Santa's helper. He assists Santa in helping families. I was engrossed in the story, loved the characters and found the "message" of the story to be PERFECT for Christmastime. Now I need to go and try to shine some light into my own little world. Great read!

[Changley Cavins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the plot of this book! I loved the idea behind location based Santa’s and their actual purpose. It would be cool if that really existed. I felt like Tucker was super relatable- from his career choices, to how he got in a pickle with his family, and the pressures of getting everything done by Christmas. There was a nice sprinkle of drama and mystery with a nice mix of Christmas magic. Although the book started on a sad note, I was happy with the ending… one I didn’t see coming!

[Andy Herzfeld · Rating 5 out of 5]

D.J. switches gears with this one bringing the light to those in darkness. This is a short read but a good one. This is an excellent perspective for trying to do good in the world or at least help people. The line that you can't help everyone but everyone is worth helping sums it up. Excellent read.

[Jeremyf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you. Just thank you

A wonderful story I didn’t expect. I thought it was shaping up to be a non-stop action adventure like always, but then it went and took me on a feel trip. Merry Christmas!

[Sheree Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet

I really liked this story. It's filled
with magic and Christmas spirit. The thing I don't like is the language. I never think that using strong words in any book is needed.

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well

That was weird and trite and sort of sweet, in a sickening, we should all just be good at Christmas, kind of way. It's not nearly as cool as the cover or blurb suggests, and it isn't really very well explained, but whatever. It was alright.

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning

The Santas is a very heart warming read. It isn't a romantic story but it has all the makings of a true Christmas novel. I absolutely loved this novel and DJ Molles has become one of my favorite authors after reading this novel. I can't wait to read another.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read Christmas story

The best Christmas story I have read in years! I loved the modern day setting and the believable twist to everything I thought I knew about Santa and his helpers.

[Susan Geiger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

I heard about this from a feed on Facebook this morning. I wasn't sure about it but started reading right away. I couldn't put it down so finished it just now. What a really great Christmas story. I highly recommend it.

[Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Christmas Book!!!

This is a great read to get you into the Christmas mood and maybe even help you realize what's important in your own life. A must read.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun Christmas murder mystery.