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A Christmas Cozy Mystery #3
A Lost Claus
★ The third book in Mona Marple's Christmas Mysteries series! ★
As Christmas approaches in Candy Cane Hollow, it's time for the annual Claus Family ice fishing trip.
Holly Wood (yes, that's her real name) is a ball of nerves about meeting all of Nick Claus' relatives, until the trip ends in disaster.
One Claus doesn't return home, and as everyone begins to fear the worst, an old grudge between the Lost Claus and Nick makes his actions look suspicious.
Can Holly get to the truth, before anyone else is hurt?
A Lost Claus is a festive cozy mystery and third in an exciting new series by popular author Mona Marple. This book is a clean read, free from swearing, on-page violence or sexual content.
As Christmas approaches in Candy Cane Hollow, it's time for the annual Claus Family ice fishing trip.
Holly Wood (yes, that's her real name) is a ball of nerves about meeting all of Nick Claus' relatives, until the trip ends in disaster.
One Claus doesn't return home, and as everyone begins to fear the worst, an old grudge between the Lost Claus and Nick makes his actions look suspicious.
Can Holly get to the truth, before anyone else is hurt?
A Lost Claus is a festive cozy mystery and third in an exciting new series by popular author Mona Marple. This book is a clean read, free from swearing, on-page violence or sexual content.
131 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2021
184 people are currently reading
304 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
December 19, 2025
A Lost Claus is the 3rd-installment in Mona Marple's A Christmas Cozy Mystery series. To this point, these stories have all been quick novellas, but I believe as the series progresses, the books get longer.
These stories are all set in a magical village and are sure to leave you in peak-Christmas mood. They've certainly lifted my spirits and gotten me there.
These stories follow Holly Wood ((yes, that is her real name)), who in the 1st-book is rescued from her car after a snow-related accident by a woman claiming to be Mrs. Claus. Holly is then brought to the Claus family home, in the town of Candy Cane Hollow, to recuperate.
Holly becomes enmeshed in village life, even helping to solve the homicide of their doctor's receptionist. She also meets and becomes quite enamored with Mrs. Claus's son, Nick, and he is with her as well.
In this story, Holly and Nick's relationship has progressed significantly since that 1st-book. Christmas is approaching again and it's time for the Claus annual ice fishing trip.
Holly is nervous about meeting Nick's extended family for the first time, but for the most part, she needn't have worried. However, no good family trip goes by without at least some drama, apparently even when you're a Claus.
When one of the family members doesn't return from their time on the ice, Holly finds herself enmeshed in another dangerous mystery. Will she be able to solve it in time to protect those she loves?
While I would say A Lost Claus is still a very cute story, I definitely wasn't as invested in this particular mystery as I was with the previous 2-books.
I'm not sure why. They've all been short, but this one felt extremely surface level to me. Maybe it was because we were getting introduced to so many new characters, with Nick's family, and I sort of missed the people I've come to know in Candy Cane Hollow.
Nevertheless, I'm certainly continuing on with the series. There's just something so charming about the world that Marple has created here. It brings back a little of that Christmas magic from my youth.
Thank you to the publisher, Tantor Audio, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I'm so glad that I've been introduced to this series, and this author!
These stories are all set in a magical village and are sure to leave you in peak-Christmas mood. They've certainly lifted my spirits and gotten me there.
These stories follow Holly Wood ((yes, that is her real name)), who in the 1st-book is rescued from her car after a snow-related accident by a woman claiming to be Mrs. Claus. Holly is then brought to the Claus family home, in the town of Candy Cane Hollow, to recuperate.
Holly becomes enmeshed in village life, even helping to solve the homicide of their doctor's receptionist. She also meets and becomes quite enamored with Mrs. Claus's son, Nick, and he is with her as well.
In this story, Holly and Nick's relationship has progressed significantly since that 1st-book. Christmas is approaching again and it's time for the Claus annual ice fishing trip.
Holly is nervous about meeting Nick's extended family for the first time, but for the most part, she needn't have worried. However, no good family trip goes by without at least some drama, apparently even when you're a Claus.
When one of the family members doesn't return from their time on the ice, Holly finds herself enmeshed in another dangerous mystery. Will she be able to solve it in time to protect those she loves?
While I would say A Lost Claus is still a very cute story, I definitely wasn't as invested in this particular mystery as I was with the previous 2-books.
I'm not sure why. They've all been short, but this one felt extremely surface level to me. Maybe it was because we were getting introduced to so many new characters, with Nick's family, and I sort of missed the people I've come to know in Candy Cane Hollow.
Nevertheless, I'm certainly continuing on with the series. There's just something so charming about the world that Marple has created here. It brings back a little of that Christmas magic from my youth.
Thank you to the publisher, Tantor Audio, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I'm so glad that I've been introduced to this series, and this author!
September 6, 2024
Entertaining relationship mystery listening 🎧🎎🎵😘🎶
This kindle e-book novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account book three of six
Holly and friends are going on an ice fishing party. It is going great until two people go missing. One is dead! The other ends up in the hospital. Is it murder?
I would recommend this series and author to readers of family and friends romantic relationships mystery novels 😎👒🏠 . 2024
I have this thing about holiday series and stories. Happy reading and have fun 😜👒🏙
This kindle e-book novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account book three of six
Holly and friends are going on an ice fishing party. It is going great until two people go missing. One is dead! The other ends up in the hospital. Is it murder?
I would recommend this series and author to readers of family and friends romantic relationships mystery novels 😎👒🏠 . 2024
I have this thing about holiday series and stories. Happy reading and have fun 😜👒🏙
December 11, 2024
This is my FAVORITE Christmas mystery series. It is such a delight to return to Candy Cane Hollow every year and see Holly, Nick, and their family and friends. In this book we get to meet and learn the logistics of the extended Claus family and it was delightful. Even the mystery was short and sweet and I love how Holly was involved and planned the reveal. The descriptions and writing are lovely and the characters are unforgettable. Short and sweet!
December 13, 2025
This is book 3 in the series but only the second one that I have actually listened to/read. I really love Holly and honestly she's a pretty good little sleuth. If you like cozy mysteries and a little romance this is an enjoyable little series.
I will admit I'm eager for Nick and Holly to tie the knot already, they are a pretty cute couple. As far as characters go the over dramatic kitchen elf is my absolute favorite, I just love him!
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
I will admit I'm eager for Nick and Holly to tie the knot already, they are a pretty cute couple. As far as characters go the over dramatic kitchen elf is my absolute favorite, I just love him!
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
December 14, 2025
Unfortunately, this one just didn’t hit the right notes for me. Surprising, as I really enjoyed book #1 in the series.
But, somehow, they don’t seem to connect stories. Same crew, but it seems like they’re different characters in this book.
In any case, we’re back in Candy Cane Hollow, that sweet, magical place, and Mrs. Claus 🤶🏼 is still quite a character!
Holly is back, but this time around, she’s an MD!
Nick is next in line to take Santa’s place, when the time comes…
There is ice fishing, and the whole entourage sets out to do this, but not all of them come back!
And so, investigations begin…
Loved the characters! Loved the town and all the festivities! Enjoyed the book, but LOVED the first one in the series so much more. Not to say this wasn’t good, just wasn’t what I was expecting…
And now that i checked the series, I see this is book #3…and I have #2 on hold at the library… so maybe it’ll make more sense after reading that one! 😮😉
#ALostClaus (Christmas Cozy Mystery #3) by @MonaMaple and narrated nicely by @CharlieAlbers.
3 solid sweet, candy-striped stars for me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️
*** This one has NOT been released as yet, so please LOOK 👀 FOR IT on 12/16/25!! ***
Thanks so much to #NetGalley, #TantorMedia and #TantorAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
But, somehow, they don’t seem to connect stories. Same crew, but it seems like they’re different characters in this book.
In any case, we’re back in Candy Cane Hollow, that sweet, magical place, and Mrs. Claus 🤶🏼 is still quite a character!
Holly is back, but this time around, she’s an MD!
Nick is next in line to take Santa’s place, when the time comes…
There is ice fishing, and the whole entourage sets out to do this, but not all of them come back!
And so, investigations begin…
Loved the characters! Loved the town and all the festivities! Enjoyed the book, but LOVED the first one in the series so much more. Not to say this wasn’t good, just wasn’t what I was expecting…
And now that i checked the series, I see this is book #3…and I have #2 on hold at the library… so maybe it’ll make more sense after reading that one! 😮😉
#ALostClaus (Christmas Cozy Mystery #3) by @MonaMaple and narrated nicely by @CharlieAlbers.
3 solid sweet, candy-striped stars for me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️
*** This one has NOT been released as yet, so please LOOK 👀 FOR IT on 12/16/25!! ***
Thanks so much to #NetGalley, #TantorMedia and #TantorAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
December 14, 2025
"A Lost Claus (A Christmas Cozy Mystery Book 3)" by Mona Marple aka Katie Forrest has Holly fully established as the GP doctor of Candy Cane Hollow. It's also almost Christmas again. The Claus family is heading out to do some much needed ice fishing pre big night vacationing. Holly is invited along to the lodge to finally meet the extended Claus family.
While the Claus clan is out fishing, a couple people of their party go missing. Then things look like someone is trying to eliminate their way through the line of succession to get to be the big guy. There's a few good suspects. I honestly didn't pin down the actual culprit.
While the Claus clan is out fishing, a couple people of their party go missing. Then things look like someone is trying to eliminate their way through the line of succession to get to be the big guy. There's a few good suspects. I honestly didn't pin down the actual culprit.
September 14, 2021
Oh, it was so great to be back in Candy Cane Hollow!
Holly and Nick are so sweet and cute together, and the whole vibe is so warm and Christmassy. It has the right tone, so inviting. And I laughed at Gilbert so many times! The mystery: I thought I had it solved and I was wrong! I love being wrong in a murder mystery. And the Claus family is just as disfunctional as any other family! I loved this book and I highly recommend it!
Holly and Nick are so sweet and cute together, and the whole vibe is so warm and Christmassy. It has the right tone, so inviting. And I laughed at Gilbert so many times! The mystery: I thought I had it solved and I was wrong! I love being wrong in a murder mystery. And the Claus family is just as disfunctional as any other family! I loved this book and I highly recommend it!
December 12, 2021
Great Xmas Series!! 🎄😀
September 16, 2021
A Lost Claus is a wonderful cozy mystery. It is fun and cute. Candy Cane Hallow is wonderful and so are the characters. I loved getting to meet the whole Claus family. The mystery has many twists to keep you guessing. I loved this book and highly recommend it!
December 22, 2022
Such a unique and imaginative series. I'm really enjoying it.
December 11, 2025
I wanted a cozy Christmas fantasy to wrap around me like a warm blanket, but instead it felt more like a drafty window I couldn’t close.
I went into this hoping for a cute, cozy Christmas fantasy to break up some heavier reads while I decorated my house for the holidays, but unfortunately it just didn’t deliver what I was looking for.
What I didn’t realize until I was already knee-deep into it was that I’d read Book 1 in this series—and had the exact same issues. You’d think I would’ve learned my lesson, but here we are. While I fully understand that novellas have limited space to work with, this one still lacked the depth and nuance needed to make the story feel complete or emotionally satisfying. Instead of giving me those warm, sparkly holiday vibes, it left me bored and, frankly, a little irritated. Cozy it is not.
The highlight, without question, was the audiobook. Charlie Albers delivered a wonderful narration with a warm, engaging tone that suited the story beautifully. Her pacing was smooth and easy to follow—even when I bumped it up to 2x speed just to get through the plot a bit faster. Honestly, without her performance, my rating would’ve been noticeably lower.
If only the story had the same warmth and charm as the narration, this could’ve been the cozy Christmas escape I was hoping for.
I was fortunate to receive a complimentary ALC from Tantor Media via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
How I Rate
Because I mostly read ARCs, I focus on how I think fellow readers with similar tastes will respond. I sometimes round up or down based on pacing, prose, or overall impact, and I try to keep my personal preferences from weighing too heavily.
I went into this hoping for a cute, cozy Christmas fantasy to break up some heavier reads while I decorated my house for the holidays, but unfortunately it just didn’t deliver what I was looking for.
What I didn’t realize until I was already knee-deep into it was that I’d read Book 1 in this series—and had the exact same issues. You’d think I would’ve learned my lesson, but here we are. While I fully understand that novellas have limited space to work with, this one still lacked the depth and nuance needed to make the story feel complete or emotionally satisfying. Instead of giving me those warm, sparkly holiday vibes, it left me bored and, frankly, a little irritated. Cozy it is not.
The highlight, without question, was the audiobook. Charlie Albers delivered a wonderful narration with a warm, engaging tone that suited the story beautifully. Her pacing was smooth and easy to follow—even when I bumped it up to 2x speed just to get through the plot a bit faster. Honestly, without her performance, my rating would’ve been noticeably lower.
If only the story had the same warmth and charm as the narration, this could’ve been the cozy Christmas escape I was hoping for.
I was fortunate to receive a complimentary ALC from Tantor Media via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
How I Rate
Because I mostly read ARCs, I focus on how I think fellow readers with similar tastes will respond. I sometimes round up or down based on pacing, prose, or overall impact, and I try to keep my personal preferences from weighing too heavily.
September 19, 2021
I just love this series!!! I mean really who doesn’t like Santa Claus!!! Another adventure in Candy Cane Hollow as all of the Claus family gathers to go to Camp Mackerel for the annual ice fishing tournament. Everyone goes out fishing but two don’t return!! It’s up to Holly to jump in and help Wiggles solve this crime before it tears the Claus family apart!!!
September 17, 2021
Holly Wood returns in her third mystery with the Clauses. Christmas is coming and Holly is trying to balance her GP duties with Christmas duties with Mrs. Claus and adding a ice fishing trip with most of the Clauses. When two of the party go missing, Holly is back trying to solve the mystery. I love this series. It’s perfect even if it’s not Christmas.
December 12, 2025
These are just absolutely delightful. I love all of the characters and the mysteries around Candy Cane Hollow never seem boring or repetitive. You truly feel like you’re in the North Pole getting to know Santa and his family. I am just loving the audiobooks and hope they open this series up to a whole new audience.
December 21, 2025
Unfortunately, this book didn’t work for me. It felt overly politically correct, which turned me off. I enjoyed the series until now, but in this installment, we return to Candy Cane Hollow, that charming, magical place. Holly is back, now as an MD. Nick is slated to succeed Santa someday. The story follows the entire group as they set out for ice fishing, but not everyone makes it back. Nick’s family gathers for their annual ice fishing trip at a luxury lodge with a restaurant, bar, and other amenities. During the trip, one guide and one family member disappear. The guide is found dead, and it’s believed the family member also fell through the ice. Holly, Mrs. Claus, Santa, and Nick work together to solve the murder.
I received a complementary audiobook copy. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review. I did enjoy the narration
I received a complementary audiobook copy. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review. I did enjoy the narration
October 3, 2021
I loved this book! It was nice to find out that even Santa has some family members that are a handful. The mystery was solid, but the characters were outstanding. This wasn't a cutsie, everything-is-perfect story. There are family conflicts, nervously waiting for certain questions to be asked, finger-pointing, squabbling, and Santa's rakishly entertaining brother to contend with. And then there is the murder. The author keeps you turning the page, both to find the clues that will lead to the murder and to find out what the members of the family will get into next. I highly recommend this book. It is a great way to start your holiday reading.
December 9, 2025
— I’m just glad my favourite character wasn’t guilty 🤣
December 11, 2025
So you’re telling me Santa is British?
December 11, 2025
Thank you, NetGalley and Tantor Media, for the opportunity to listen to this ARC!
When I initially requested this book, I overlooked the fact that it was the third installment in the Christmas Cozy Mystery Series, but I still managed to follow along! I adored the character names and the charming town! I wish I could visit Candy Cane Hollow!
While I felt that the story progressed a bit slowly, the ending seemed somewhat rushed. The characters were entertaining, but I would have appreciated a more engaging resolution to the mystery.
When I initially requested this book, I overlooked the fact that it was the third installment in the Christmas Cozy Mystery Series, but I still managed to follow along! I adored the character names and the charming town! I wish I could visit Candy Cane Hollow!
While I felt that the story progressed a bit slowly, the ending seemed somewhat rushed. The characters were entertaining, but I would have appreciated a more engaging resolution to the mystery.
September 30, 2021
What fun to be back in Candy Cane Hollow with Nick and Holly!
Time for the annual Claus family reunion and Holly had joined Nick at Claus Cottage to meet them.
The family goes on their traditional ice fishing trip. When two people are missing Holly gets busy trying to find answers.
Twists and turns will keep you entertained in this cute, fun story.
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it.
Time for the annual Claus family reunion and Holly had joined Nick at Claus Cottage to meet them.
The family goes on their traditional ice fishing trip. When two people are missing Holly gets busy trying to find answers.
Twists and turns will keep you entertained in this cute, fun story.
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it.
October 12, 2021
This is the third installment in the Christmas Cozy mysteries. I am recovering from pneumonia and definitely needed to read something light. This was a pleasant return to Candy Cane Hollow. A mystery at Camp Mackerel during an annual trip. Solid plot and surprises. Every time that I have read a Holly & Nick story, I want to hang out in front of a fire and drink hot chocolate with a candy cane stir! But alas, I live in the desert so I have to live vicariously through the characters in Candy Cane Hollow.
I received a complimentary eARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a complimentary eARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
January 7, 2024
As Cheesy as "goodness gumdrops" is I absolutely loved this book and series. I'm glad the rest of the Claus family came into play and Holly was able to meet them all. The relationship between Holly and Nick is just magical, I can't wait to read more.
December 18, 2025
I would give it 3.5 🌟but half stars aren’t an option.
I really love the series but there were a few things I really liked and few more things that made me go, huh.
What I liked was a greater suspect pool. In the previous two books you had limited (2) options for the killer. This one had quite few more. I also love the length of the stories. They are fairly well developed for novellas. I also like the secondary romance plot between Holly and Nick, although, their conflict would dissolve with one open and honest conversation.
What I didn’t like contains spoilers.
Also, minor things that are bugging me… did she ever get her car back? Where was this in the timeline? Holly’s obviously been there awhile. Did she go back to her place, get her stuff, move, end her lease, see her sister, …? Why as a general physician didn’t she know how to treat frostbite in the first two books? I might be taking out some of my frustrations on this book that I had with the previous two.
That said, I wish the rest of the series was available on audiobooks. I’m loving the quaintness of it all!
I really love the series but there were a few things I really liked and few more things that made me go, huh.
What I liked was a greater suspect pool. In the previous two books you had limited (2) options for the killer. This one had quite few more. I also love the length of the stories. They are fairly well developed for novellas. I also like the secondary romance plot between Holly and Nick, although, their conflict would dissolve with one open and honest conversation.
What I didn’t like contains spoilers.
Also, minor things that are bugging me… did she ever get her car back? Where was this in the timeline? Holly’s obviously been there awhile. Did she go back to her place, get her stuff, move, end her lease, see her sister, …? Why as a general physician didn’t she know how to treat frostbite in the first two books? I might be taking out some of my frustrations on this book that I had with the previous two.
That said, I wish the rest of the series was available on audiobooks. I’m loving the quaintness of it all!
December 5, 2025
So, I'm back with this, the third book in The Candy Cane Hollow Christmas Cozy Mystery Series and you may have spotted that I read and reviewed book 2 - Slay Bells Ring - only a week or so ago.
I discovered this series back in September and was absolutely obsessed instantly!
I love Christmas and my favourite genre is mystery/thriller so to have this combined in this super quick read cosy mystery novella felt like Christmas came early - oh hang on....it really did!!
Well, I finished book 2 and the second it ended, I said to my family - "ok, I need the next book now!!" - and lo and behold, book 3 arrived.
Apart from loving the whole concept of this series, the characters are just so relatable and delightful and the mysteries are well plotted.
There's Christmas vibes galore and a touch of romance too.
All this rolled up in a fun and easy quick read novella which of course, I devoured in one sitting yet again!
I am obsessed!
In this book we see the mystery come even closer to home for the Claus family and Holly, when, on their annual fishing trip, one of the Claus clan disappears.
With suspicions flying and danger around each bend, Holly has to try and solve the case before the weather can do it's worst.
This was another great little mystery which again, kept me guessing until the end - and this one came with a nice little twist too.
As well as following the mystery, we see how much closer Nick and Holly are growing and I'm so excited to see them work things out and get together.
Oh my, I'm just hooked. I can't stop thinking about these characters and wondering what's going to happen next.
Such perfect books to relax and enjoy with a hot chocolate and mince pie on these chilly winter days ....
And once again...I obviously need the next book now!!....
I discovered this series back in September and was absolutely obsessed instantly!
I love Christmas and my favourite genre is mystery/thriller so to have this combined in this super quick read cosy mystery novella felt like Christmas came early - oh hang on....it really did!!
Well, I finished book 2 and the second it ended, I said to my family - "ok, I need the next book now!!" - and lo and behold, book 3 arrived.
Apart from loving the whole concept of this series, the characters are just so relatable and delightful and the mysteries are well plotted.
There's Christmas vibes galore and a touch of romance too.
All this rolled up in a fun and easy quick read novella which of course, I devoured in one sitting yet again!
I am obsessed!
In this book we see the mystery come even closer to home for the Claus family and Holly, when, on their annual fishing trip, one of the Claus clan disappears.
With suspicions flying and danger around each bend, Holly has to try and solve the case before the weather can do it's worst.
This was another great little mystery which again, kept me guessing until the end - and this one came with a nice little twist too.
As well as following the mystery, we see how much closer Nick and Holly are growing and I'm so excited to see them work things out and get together.
Oh my, I'm just hooked. I can't stop thinking about these characters and wondering what's going to happen next.
Such perfect books to relax and enjoy with a hot chocolate and mince pie on these chilly winter days ....
And once again...I obviously need the next book now!!....
December 10, 2025
I enjoyed this book, although the story did seem shorter than usual and as a consequence the ending felt a little bit rushed, with Holly just suddenly knowing who the killer was. I still enjoyed it and love spending time in Candy Cane Hollow. The whole Christmas theme to the series has caught my imagination and just goes to prove that Christmas doesn't just have to be at Christmas. I like the characters and the imagination the author used to put a spin on something that everybody knows so well. I could easily picture myself watching the characters coming to life on the Hallmark channel. The mystery was wrapped up nicely and even through I was proved right by guessing the culprit and motive it's still a fun cozy festive mystery that brings a smile to your face, no matter what time of the year. Look forward to the next book.
It's time for the annual Claus fishing trip and Holly is looking forward to meeting her boyfriends extended family for the first time. Although with the Claus family it's never just a fishing trip, She gets to relax in a log cabin while the cousins and uncle's go ice fishing in there favourite spots. However one of the cousins and a fishing guide fails to return, even with all the rules and regulations in place to prevent mishaps. When Nick himself walks into a booby trap, it appears someone is trying to take out the next in line to be Santa. Can Holly find out who is responsible before anybody else gets hurt? Even if it's a family member that is responsible.
I like the narrator. She really gets into the spirit of the characters and makes them and the story come to life.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
It's time for the annual Claus fishing trip and Holly is looking forward to meeting her boyfriends extended family for the first time. Although with the Claus family it's never just a fishing trip, She gets to relax in a log cabin while the cousins and uncle's go ice fishing in there favourite spots. However one of the cousins and a fishing guide fails to return, even with all the rules and regulations in place to prevent mishaps. When Nick himself walks into a booby trap, it appears someone is trying to take out the next in line to be Santa. Can Holly find out who is responsible before anybody else gets hurt? Even if it's a family member that is responsible.
I like the narrator. She really gets into the spirit of the characters and makes them and the story come to life.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
December 10, 2021
All three books that are currently available in the "A Christmas Cozy Mystery" series by Mona Marple are well worth your time to read! The fourth book is due out in September 2022, so I'll be waiting patiently for that one for next year's Christmas reading! The setting is Candy Cane Hollow, where Santa and his family reside, and the town folk consists of humans and elves. The books are all quick reads that brought out the warm and funny Christmas moments we all enjoy so much. The characters were excellent and since the majority of the main characters were members of the Claus family, easy to fall in love with. With that said, the funniest character to me was the Clauses chef, Gilbert the elf! I laughed so hard at this prima donna chef harder than I think I've laughed at a book in a long time. It's classic prima donna behavior, but knowing and visualizing him as an elf running around in a tizzy was priceless and very well written!
Whether you're looking for a good Christmas mystery or just enjoy a bit of humor in your holiday books, this is the series for you. The author did an exceptional job of bringing the wonder of Santa to life for her readers and this girl who is always ho-ho-hoping for a great Christmas read got exactly that with all three books in this series. Happy Reading!
Whether you're looking for a good Christmas mystery or just enjoy a bit of humor in your holiday books, this is the series for you. The author did an exceptional job of bringing the wonder of Santa to life for her readers and this girl who is always ho-ho-hoping for a great Christmas read got exactly that with all three books in this series. Happy Reading!
December 10, 2025
I wanted to love A Lost Claus, and while it has a lot going for it, it didn’t quite land for me the way I hoped.
I didn’t realize until after finishing that there are two short stories that come before this book, but thankfully I don’t feel lost or confused because of it. The mystery itself was solid, and I genuinely didn’t guess the killer.
One of my favorite parts of the book was Gilbert, the cooking elf for Mrs. Claus. He was simultaneously annoying and lovable, and his devotion to Mrs. Claus added so much heart to the story. He easily stood out as one of the most memorable characters for me.
That said, the overall tone of the book felt very restrained. There are no swear words, very minimal romance (a peck on the cheek at most), and everything stays extremely clean. That isn’t a bad thing, but it felt unexpected in a story centered around murder. Had I known this beforehand, I think my expectations would have been set differently.
I also wished for more emotional payoff at the end, especially between Holly and Nick. I kept hoping for a bigger relationship moment, maybe even an engagement, and felt a little let down.
This book clearly has an audience, but it didn’t fully align with my reading preferences. If you enjoy very clean, cozy mysteries with charming side characters, this might work well for you.
I didn’t realize until after finishing that there are two short stories that come before this book, but thankfully I don’t feel lost or confused because of it. The mystery itself was solid, and I genuinely didn’t guess the killer.
One of my favorite parts of the book was Gilbert, the cooking elf for Mrs. Claus. He was simultaneously annoying and lovable, and his devotion to Mrs. Claus added so much heart to the story. He easily stood out as one of the most memorable characters for me.
That said, the overall tone of the book felt very restrained. There are no swear words, very minimal romance (a peck on the cheek at most), and everything stays extremely clean. That isn’t a bad thing, but it felt unexpected in a story centered around murder. Had I known this beforehand, I think my expectations would have been set differently.
I also wished for more emotional payoff at the end, especially between Holly and Nick. I kept hoping for a bigger relationship moment, maybe even an engagement, and felt a little let down.
This book clearly has an audience, but it didn’t fully align with my reading preferences. If you enjoy very clean, cozy mysteries with charming side characters, this might work well for you.
December 17, 2025
Laughter and cringeworthy family scenes so just like a real family! You'll giggle and you'll cringe, but you'll enjoy every moment as you laugh at the drunk uncle that you also cringe at! Seems the Claus family isn't so different from everyone else's family after all! A family ice fishing trip leads to a death, but was it an accident or murder and is someone targeting the Claus family? Holly is on the case and unwinding the family dynamics while also trying to make a good impression, after all this is her first time meeting the extended family! A fun murder plot with a bit of romance wrapped in makes this cozy mystery novella series the enjoyment that you need in your life. This mystery was quite well plotted with hints and clues peppered in and multiple red herrings to lead you astray as you also untangle the web of this mystery! Add in elves and Santa's extended family and you have bonus scenes that add to the enjoyment! I can't wait to listen to the next book in this series as the narrator does an outstanding job of bringing each character a unique voice and enhancing the humor, the emotions, the mystery and the romance! Excellent choice all year round, but I am especially enjoying these novellas as I try to wrap up my year without too much stress! Just the delightful release that I need!
December 7, 2025
I listened to this in one sitting. I loved every minute of it. This series has been so fun and I can't wait until the next book comes out in audio form. It is getting harder and harder to wait for the audio to be released and not just read the next book on my kindle. This story was so much fun because it further explored the extended family of the Clauses and took you deeper into the magical world. It also somehow made them feel more like a real family that did everyday things like family trips. I love how encouraging Mrs. Claus is and that the future Santa doesn't ever seem to pressure Holly (although sometimes I wish I could.) I also love that Holly (our FMC) is still able to pursue her career and doesn't feel like she needs to fall into a "Suzy home-maker" roll. I love that she seems like she is being given the freedom to explore both sides of things and also being supported in her amateur sleuth ways. The mystery had me guessing until the very end. It was also refreshing to see some diversity and inclusion weaved into a genre that doesn't always show up in that way. Overall, I would say this whole series is a must read around Christmas.
Review audio provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review audio provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 6, 2021
A great, fun read, perfect for curling up by the fire!
Book Three in the series continues the theme of a Christmas village where Santa lives with his helpers. In this volume, Marple introduces us to the rest of the Claus family - the uncles and cousins, etc - and like any other family, there are some characters!
Our main character Holly has a budding relationship with Nick - the next-in-line for the Santa mantle. The development of that relationship is poked and prodded along by Nick's mother who has decided that Holly will make the perfect Next-Mrs.
Meantime, there is intrigue and murder that Holly sets her mind to solving, and that makes A Lost Claus a great fun read, just in time for the holiday season!
If you haven't yet, you'll want to catch up with the first two books in the series as well. They all do well as standalone, but you'll want the whole story, I promise!
[I was fortunate to receive a pre-publication copy of the book from the author, with no obligation to review. All opinions expressed herein are given freely and are entirely my own.]
Book Three in the series continues the theme of a Christmas village where Santa lives with his helpers. In this volume, Marple introduces us to the rest of the Claus family - the uncles and cousins, etc - and like any other family, there are some characters!
Our main character Holly has a budding relationship with Nick - the next-in-line for the Santa mantle. The development of that relationship is poked and prodded along by Nick's mother who has decided that Holly will make the perfect Next-Mrs.
Meantime, there is intrigue and murder that Holly sets her mind to solving, and that makes A Lost Claus a great fun read, just in time for the holiday season!
If you haven't yet, you'll want to catch up with the first two books in the series as well. They all do well as standalone, but you'll want the whole story, I promise!
[I was fortunate to receive a pre-publication copy of the book from the author, with no obligation to review. All opinions expressed herein are given freely and are entirely my own.]
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