Mrs. Claus and The Halloween Homicide
The Blurb
For the first time ever, Christmastown is celebrating a strange new tradition, Halloween holiday. But not everyone is willing to watch their dependable winter wonderland get overrun by carved pumpkins and costume parties. As a series of scary happenings hit Santaland, each one more intense than the last, Mrs. Claus/April realizes having a role in the festivities could cost her family, friends, even her own life.
April isn’t the only unlucky target. Outspoken elf Tiny Sparkletoe is found dead in the snow outside his cottage, crushed in the middle of what appears to be a monstrous footprint. With mayhem descending like reindeer on rooftops, April must stop the Halloween killer before the fate of Mrs. Claus becomes another creepy tale to tell in the dark.
The Details
Series: A Mrs. Claus Mystery – Book #2
Author: Liz Ireland
Genre/Category: Cozy –Amateur Sleuth/Holiday
Publisher: Kensington Cozies
ISBN: 1496726618
Page Count: 304
Rating: 
The Review
When I read the first book in the “A Mrs. Claus Mystery” series, I had issues with it, and I was skeptical about reading book two, Mrs. Claus and The Halloween Homicide. However, I have to say that I enjoyed this new addition much more than I thought I would. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that Halloween is my favorite holiday, and there was plenty of drama with the elves and spooky decorations to smile about, but also, the mystery itself was very intriguing and held my attention.
April is an interesting character. She certainly isn’t anyone’s idea of a traditional Mrs. Claus. She has her own ideas about Christmas and celebrating holidays; she is never on time, can’t keep out of trouble, and isn’t the jolly, happy Mrs. Santa Claus we have all come to think of. But she does have her good points, and they shine in this story. Other characters have a lot to offer, and the friendships that have begun to develop, even with April’s in-laws, are becoming quite fascinating. I would like to see more of April’s family and friends involved in this series, and from what I read in this installment, it looks like that will happen soon.
The murder of an elf is unusual, but in this case, it’s almost impossible to believe. In what appears to be a snow monster attack, a somewhat contentious elf, Tiny Sparkletoe, is killed, but the evidence isn’t adding up for April. Suspects range from business competitors to relatives to people within the Claus household. Tiny was not what he seemed. After an accident, while investigating, it becomes obvious that April might be the killer’s next victim. As Halloween approaches, April moves in on the killer and finds herself in danger of ruining not only Halloween but Christmas. With help from friends and family, Mrs. Claus unravels the clues and reveals a killer, and another side of Santaland no one knew existed.
Mrs. Claus and The Halloween Homicide is a heartwarming story with a twisted sense of holiday cheer, fun for all. The action is great, the location couldn’t be better, and the characters are developing into comfortable friends. It isn’t every day readers get to spend a holiday with angry elves, drunk reindeer, crazed snow monsters, and a family that has just as many problems as anyone else. This is a must-read for fans of holiday cozies and Halloween stories.
The Author
Elizabeth Bass writes women’s fiction under her own name, and as Liz Freeland is the author of the Louise Faulk historical mystery series from Kensington Books. She also wrote many romances under the pseudonym Liz Ireland and the new SantaLand Mysteries series.
Elizabeth grew up outside a very small town in East Texas. The first loves in her life were animals and Humphrey Bogart. Had it not been for a father who kept the house full of books and some tireless elementary school teachers, she could have happily remained an illiterate rabbit caretaker addicted to black-and-white films on the late late show. She lives in Victoria, British Columbia, where she writes, freelance edits, and still manages to find time for an old movie on most days.
Readers will want to check out the first book in the “A Mrs. Claus Mystery” series, Mrs. Claus and the Santaland Slayings.
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