Mrs. Claus and the Santaland Slayings

Loved this book. While i don't often read cozy mysteries, I was drawn to this by the charming cover and the summary. Reminded me somewhat of my favorite Christmas movie, Elf. Loved that the reindeer could talk and the snowmen moved. I'm looking forward to the next April Claus adventure.

I received this ARC via Netgalley and Kensington Books, in return for an honest review. This book is such fun and a great take on a Christmas cozy mystery! Turns out, Santa is real, albeit his name is Nick, and his new wife, April, has joined him from the Oregon coast to Santaland. They met when he stayed at her B&B during the summer. After a whirlwind romance, it’s now the week before Christmas and all is not well at the North Pole. After losing the annual Christmastown ice sculpture carving contest, an elf named Giblet Hollyberry dies by spider bite. Except, there are no spiders at the North Pole. Townspeople resurrect rumors about the unexpected death of Nick’s older brother and preceding Santa, Christopher, earlier in the year. Did Nick have something to do with both deaths? Who else in the extended Claus family is under suspicion? How can April, still trying to find her place in this new life, help Nick and keep Christmas on track? When another death occurs, more suspicion falls on Nick, who’s desperately focusing on making his first Christmas as Santa a successful one. If things don’t go well, it could be deadly in more ways than one!
Ms. Ireland has done a great job of writing a solid cozy mystery in a fun, alternate Christmas setting. April and Nick are, when they have a chance to actually spend time together, a loving couple. But, throw in Nick’s mother (think the Dowager Mrs. Claus), Christopher’s widow (a second Mrs. Claus) and April (the newest Mrs. Claus), along with several extended relations, and there’s enough undercurrents to sink the sleigh. She’s given the reindeer distinct personalities, snow people have consciousness, the elves are a range of personalities. She’s also had fun in the names, such as the Mount Myrrh or the detective, Jake Frost (distant cousin to Jack Frost). I hope this is the start of a new series; it was great fun to read!

If you're looking for an interesting read this one is great. It made me long for mistletoe and hot cider. A delightful cozy mystery that hits all my buttons, great characters, a wonderful plot line and hopefully more to come. I received an e-book from NetGalley in return for an unbiased review.

A Perfect Christmas Murder Mystery!

I loved this book! It is a well-executed murder mystery complete with wonderful characters, a well-thought-out plot and lots of action to keep the plot moving along. It was fun reading about Santaland and all its December traditions. I like Ms. Ireland's writing style and look forward to reading more of her stories.