Synopsis

When Santa Claus is a cop, you better watch out. It’s not looking like a very merry Christmas for San Diego cop Nick Pappas. Suspended from his job, alienated from his family, and persecuted by the press, he’s sorely tempted to turn his gun on himself. Except for his first name, he couldn’t possibly have less in common with jolly old St. Nicholas. But when a local mall decides it needs a secret Santa to help collar some vicious muggers preying on its holiday shoppers, Nick’s persuaded to red-suit up so as to take the naughty punks down and avert a ho-ho homicide. For a chance to bust bad guys, Nick’s willing to deal with crying kids, pushy parents, and a chronically cheerful “elf” sidekick. But the biggest challenge for this cop-turned-Claus is one that would confound even the real Kris Kringle: making a pair of next-to-impossible Christmas wishes come true for two children in need…before it’s too late. This book was initially released in episodes as a Kindle Serial. All episodes are now available for immediate download as a complete book.

My Review

I read this book during the Christmas holidays and I really enjoyed it. I felt like reading a holiday themed book even though it was Boxing Day. I had the afternoon to just sit back and read which I haven’t done in a while. I felt like this book was a great choice because it flowed well and had a fast paced story line. This is probably due to the fact that it was originally released as a Kindle Serial. I loved the fact that Nick was a grumpy old cop who had to dress up like Santa because it was so believable even if a little predictable. I have to say it is an interesting, sad book. Not exactly what I was expecting for a Christmas mystery novel. Although I did enjoy that there were some hard topics within the book. It is definitely not a light hearted Santa tale. I thought it was ok but I wished some parts could have better developed like the blossoming relationship between Nick & Charlotte. I’m afraid the romantic element of this story was pretty boring and if you are looking for a romantic themed book then don’t read this one. It was almost as if Nick’s love interest was just put in afterwards. All in all I enjoyed the holiday read and I am rating this story 4 stars. The story might not stick with me until next year but the effects of the book will.

About the Author

In 1990 Walker & Company published Alan Russell’s first book, “No Sign of Murder,” which received positive reviews, including a standalone rave from The New York Times. The work was followed up by “The Forest Prime Evil” and comedic mysteries “The Hotel Detective” and “The Fat Innkeeper,” which won him The Lefty award, given to the best comedic mystery of the year and a Critics’ Choice Award. His novel “Multiple Wounds,” a psychological thriller earned him a nomination for both an Anthony Award and the Macavity Award for best novel of the year. Russell then published “Shame,” a novel of psychological suspense. His next books, “Exposure,” “Political Suicide,” and “Burning Man,” have been categorized as suspense novels.

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