April Claus is trying to settle into her new home, new role, and with her new husband in Christmastown when tragedy threatens it all. April had been living contentedly in Oregon running a bed and breakfast when Nick Claus swept her off her feet. Little did she realize then that Nick is THE Santa Claus and she is stepping into a role with a multitude of responsibilities. One thing she never expected, however, was a murder in Santaland. After all, how could a town thriving on all the holiday traditions harbor a murderer? Worse yet, April’s husband is the primary suspect. April is determined to clear Nick’s name, even as she worries she has married a murderer.

MRS. CLAUS AND THE SANTALAND SLAYINGS is the first book in the Mrs. Claus series and oh what a hoot! Christmastown, also called Santaland, is full of controversy and I adore how Liz Ireland turns the Santa tropes upside down in hilarious ways. I laughed and laughed at all the eccentric characters, particularly Jingles and Quasar. Quasar is adorable with his awkwardness and I can’t help but love both him and Lucia Claus for sheltering him.

April has her hands full trying to find the person who committed elficide. April’s commitment to clearing Nick’s name is strong, even as the whole Claus household seems to fight against her efforts. The almost toxic obligation to portray happiness in the Claus household is a bit unnerving, and I love April’s willingness to shake things up by being true to her own self. Some of the less likable characters even started to thaw a bit and I suspect I’ll grow to love several more of them in future books.

MRS. CLAUS AND THE SANTALAND SLAYINGS is the perfect cozy mystery read for the Christmas season! I laughed, I cheered, I yelled, and yes, I laughed some more as the antics of April, Jingles, Quasar and the rest of the Claus household are hilarious. Liz Ireland’s hysterical and sometimes topsy-turvy world is a place I want to visit again, and I can’t wait to see what the next book in the Mrs. Claus series has in store for us!