Mrs. Claus and the Halloween Homicide by Liz Ireland is the second book in the Mrs. Claus Mystery series. It is the first one I have read. It is different from most Cozies I have read. Set in Santaland, the village is filled with elves living day to day, it was almost fairy tale to me. There are plot twists and I was guessing to the end. It also has humor sprinkled through out.
I was given an ARC from Kensington via NetGalley for an honest review.

4 stars = Great! Might-re-read

This is a fun second mystery in this series. I enjoyed the Halloween in Christmas-land set up of this. The characters are great, and I enjoyed the mystery a lot, too. This is a series I'll be sticking with!

Mrs. Claus and the Halloween Homicide by Liz Ireland is the 2nd book in the Mrs. Claus mystery series. For the first time ever, they are celebrating Halloween at the north pole. When an elf is crushed by a huge footprint, Mrs. Claus, April, must solve the murder quickly to save her family. This book is definitely unique, and the writing is fine, so some cozy mysteries readers might enjoy it, unfortunately not my favorite series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Halloween comes to Christmastown and while the new holiday (to them) is embraced by most of the town, there are a few curmudgeons who don't think it belongs in a town dedicated to all things Christmas.

Things start off with the vandalism of a pumpkin patch, then move on to some vandalism at the public library. But then, Tiny Sparkletoes (the most vociferous of the anti-Christmas elves) is killed by what looks to be a smashing by a snow monster. That sets the town into a frenzy as they prepare to battle a potential invasion by the deadly monsters.

There are many inconsistencies with Tiny's murder and April (our protagonist) begins to ask questions as she knows the local police force (all two of them) wouldn't be able to figure out the truth.

Ms. Ireland has a very enjoyable writing style, it's very smooth and is an easy read. She weaves in some truly humorous scenes with the mystery and the mystery is first rate in itself.

Very enjoyable read that I'd recommend.

Mrs. Claus and the Halloween Homicide (Mrs. Claus #2) by Liz Ireland
Publisher: Kensington Book
Publication Date: September 28, 2021
Genre: Mystery & Thrillers

Mrs. Claus and the Halloween Homicide is the second book in the Mrs. Claus series by Liz Ireland. This book can easily be read as a standalone mystery!

This book was so much fun! I loved celebrating Halloween in Santaland with Mr. & Mrs. Claus and all the elf residents! Who would have thought Halloween would bring drama....and murder....to Sanataland!

I love the author's writing style. This book was funny and engaging and had a fun mystery with lots of twists and turns. I love the characters and that Mrs. Claus is a natural sleuth, but not a natural Claus!

I definitely recommend reading this book! It is a lot of fun and will keep you guessing until the very end!

I'm so grateful to Liz Ireland, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.

April Claus knew she was tackling a huge job when she married THE Santa Claus, but she never envisioned just how different Christmastown would be from her own cozy bed and breakfast in Oregon. Christmastown, for all its focus on sugary treats, has never celebrated Halloween! April is determined to change that but someone else is opposed to Halloween. It starts with a slaughter of pumpkins in the greenhouse but then things take a deadly turn when Tiny Sparkletoe is murdered, seemingly by a snow monster, and now all of Christmastown is in an uproar!

MRS. CLAUS AND THE HALLOWEEN HOMICIDE is the second book in the Mrs. Claus Mystery series, and oh what a delightful treat! You don’t have to read the first book, MRS. CLAUS AND THE SANTALAND SLAYINGS, to enjoy Liz Ireland’s newest offering in the series, but it does provide a little more background into April’s difficulties with her new role as Mrs. Claus. Liz Ireland has crafted a hilarious take on what it means to be Mrs. Claus and I suspect that readers will want to enjoy each and every moment, no matter which book pulls them in first!

I love that April is starting to fit into Christmastown, even though there are definitely some hiccups along the way. I can’t even begin to imagine being dropped into her world and coping with all the responsibilities and tasks of her new role. Never mind that she is supposed to smile and be cheery through it all! I love that she is bringing her own unique personality to Christmastown, and I only wish I could visit Christmastown at Halloween!

MRS. CLAUS AND THE HALLOWEEN HOMICIDE has so many hilarious moments that even now I’m still laughing. Reindeer cookies and snow beasts are my two favorite parts, but there is so much to appreciate and enjoy in Liz Ireland’s world. I particularly love that she weaves in deeper issues within the chaos and craziness of Christmastown, so the story doesn’t devolve into pure silliness. Instead, there is a darned good story coupled with lots of humor and laughs! If you’re looking for a read to make you laugh out loud, look no further than MRS. CLAUS AND THE HALLOWEEN HOMICIDE!

*review is in the editing queue at Fresh Fiction*

Thank you NetGalley, Liz Ireland and Kensington Books for the copy of Mrs. Claus and the Halloween Homicide. This is my personal review.
Christmastown is going to do a Halloween celebration. I enjoyed the combination of the holidays. The characters were so well written. The cozy mystery kept me guessing what was going to happen next.
The author did a great job of describing everything in such a way I could see it clearly in my mind.
This is the second book in the Mrs. Claus series. I did not read the first one but could follow the characters in the story.

Christmastown prepares for their first celebration of Halloween when an elf is murdered. Santa's new wife, April, must solve the case to prevent further calamity. A fun read especially as the Halloween approaches.

This is the second instalment in Liz Ireland's Mrs Claus mystery series.

The reader soon meets the star of the show, April Claus, who runs a B&B in Oregon. In this novel, it's the first-ever celebration in Christmastown of Halloween. Recently married to Nick, April discovers that not everyone is happy about the festivities as someone wrecks the pumpkin patch. Then an elf, Tiny Sparkletoe, is found dead...

I thought this was a highly entertaining, really solid continuation of the series. I reconfirmed my enjoyment of Liz Ireland's admirable characterisation of April who's rather scatterbrained. April stepped in to do some investigating herself, aiding Detective Jake Frost. She was also kept busy trying to keep up with her other duties as Mrs Claus.

Suspects and clues were in plentiful supply and I was totally engaged in this magical tale for its entirety. With no let-up in the fast-paced plot, the author masterfully interwove intoxicating descriptions of the setting. This was so expertly done that I could readily imagine and sense all that protagonist April did, completely bringing the setting to life. There was Christmas cheer, as well as Halloween shenanigans all with oodles of humour, puns and wit. Liz Ireland's writing captured my complete attention and I didn't put this one down. The book was such a fun read and I was on a merry-go-round of doubt as I puzzled over the mystery.

All in all, Mrs. Claus and the Halloween Homicide is a top-notch novel. I will certainly be returning to see what April is getting herself into next! Very highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

This is a Christmas/Halloween Cozy Mystery, and this is the second book in the Mrs. Claus series. I have not read the first book in this series. I love that this book as both Christmas and Halloween in it. I have to say I really love the characters in this book, and I think this book is so cute. I did not see the twist before it was revealed, and I also think the mystery parts where super good. I love the reindeer cookie part of this book, and I think it is so funny. Mrs. Claus is trying to get use to being Mrs. Claus and being in North Pole, and she gets put into some trouble through out this book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Kensington Publishing Corporation) or author (Liz Ireland) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

This is the second in the series. I loved the concept which had me thinking of the children’s Christmas story on TV with the elf dentist and the Island of Misfit Toys.

April Claus is the current Mrs. Santa Claus. Her husband Nick is Santa. He stepped into the role when his brother was killed and will continue until his nephew is old enough to take the reins.

April did not grow up in Santaland, she is from the northwest coast of the USA. She and her bestie have a difference of opinion over Dr. Chip Pepperbough, the overzealous boyfriend and town optometrist.

April’s ignorance of all things associated with traditions and common knowledge of Santaland add to the fun of this mystery. I really enjoyed the Reindeer cookie episode, along with the orphan, Quincy, and his snowman, Pocket; the characters in the main story, and the humor.
Definitely looking forward to the next episode. This is a standalone story.

I was given an Advanced Reader’s Copy by Netgalley and am not required to leave a positive review.

Mrs. Claus and the Halloween Homicide is the 2nd book in the Mrs. Claus Mysteries series by Liz Ireland.

Mrs Claus decided to bring Halloween to Christmastown and not everyone is happy. Chaos erupts and threatens to cancel the celebration.

I really enjoyed this story. The North Pole setting is incredible and the interesting. It’s funny hearing common sayings changed for North Pole-speak. The mystery was entertaining and it had intriguing twists.

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Mrs. Claus And The Halloween Homicide is the second book in the Mrs. Claus series by Liz Ireland.

After her marriage to Nick Claus(Santa Claus), Alice Claus is settling well in Christmastown. Mrs. Claus has decided that she would like to introduce one of her favorite holidays, Halloween. She has gotten, Salty to repurpose his greenhouse from growing turnips to pumpkins. Many residents are opposed to having a Halloween, as much of their time is getting ready for Christmas. The most vocal elf, Tiny Sparkletoe, owner of Sparkletoe’s Bootery, cites noise, decorations, and extra trash to ban the new holiday. Then Salty informs Alice that someone has broken into his greenhouse and destroyed most of the pumpkin crop.

Alice doesn’t have much faith in Constable Crinkles’ ability to learn the identity of the person/s responsible for the destruction at Salty’s. Soon, Alice and Jake Frost, a private detective, will again team up and do some investigation on their own.

Almost before they can get started on their investigation, the body of Sprinkletoe is found outside his home, lying inside a giant paw print. Then things will begin to get really serious when there is an apparent attempt on Alice’s life.

If you like to laugh during your mysteries, this is the series for you. From the names of the elves and reindeer to the funny dialogue the character have with each other, you will find yourself laughing out loud. The book is well-written and plotted and the story well told. The book has a fantastic cast of believable characters, all which I would love to have as friends. There were enough twists and turns that I was kept guessing until the end as to who the murderer was.

I will be watching for the next book from Christmastown.

This book was not for me. It was cute, but it never made me want to keep reading. I don’t even know what recommendations to give because it wasn’t bad, it just wasn’t very interesting *to me*.

It’s finally Fall, and so as far as reading goes I’ve been trying to catch up on my cozy mysteries. Mrs. Claus and the Halloween Homicide by Liz Ireland is book #2 in her Mrs. Claus series, and I totally loved it. Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a review copy in exchange for an honest review!

What can I say? All of the world building I loved in Book 1 is even better in Book 2.

Liz Ireland has created this wonderful world of Santaland and as an obsessive Christmas fan, I love it. I love reading about the lives of elves and reindeer and the Claus family, who all live together in Santa’s castle. It’s a really cool setting to imagine. Not to mention that book 2 features Abominables and other new characters.

In this story, I felt like the mystery was really convoluted, and I liked that. I kept second guessing myself on who was the murderer because there were just so many people who didn’t like the person who was murdered! Haha. Tiny Sparkletoe might be small (I mean, he is an elf) but he has an apparently large mouth, and gets on the nerves of quite a few elves around town.

Although romance is just a very tiny part of this story, I liked seeing the relationship between Nick (Santa) and April (Mrs Claus) grow further. I like that he’s the kind of guy who doesn’t seem to get flustered easily. When he finds Mrs. Claus in the kitchen at 4 AM, he’s like “Why is she baking this late?” But then he jumps right in to help her out and that’s exactly what a good partner should do.

My only real complaint (and I believe I said this about the last book too) is that there are so many different names to keep track of. I finally remembered that Jingle is an elf who works in the castle and Quasar is a reindeer who is best friends with Lucia Claus, but after that I had a hard time remembering all of the different names of all of the people in town.

But that’s the the thing with small towns. There are lots of people to remember and lots of people popping up here and there with very little notice.

I recommend this book if you like Christmas and Cozy Mysteries. This is a story that will keep you guessing, and it’s definitely a great addition to the series. I hope there are many more Mrs. Claus novels to come!

#MrsClaus

Okay, hear me out my spooky friends. This book is a truce, if you would. Like, Jack Skellington. A little Halloween, a little Christmas, and a whole lot of fun.

April (Mrs. Claus.. Santa’s wife herself) has adjusted to being married to the man and living in Santaland. She casually set out a few Halloween decorations, which had the elves curious. She explained Halloween and like 99% of my Booksta friends, they wanted to join in! (They even had pumpkin spice lattes y’all, tell me you don’t want to live there!) But, that 1% also lives in this book as someone has trashed the pumpkin patch, decapitated the scarecrow and RIP to Tiny Sparkletoe.

I found this to be so fun. There was obviously the love of Christmas because… Santa. But also, there’s our spooky fun because we had elves doing the Addams Family theme song, which is exactly what I would request elves to do.

I feel like this is what most people think of when they hear cozy. It’s got all the elements of a stereotypical cozy, but a little Halloween and a lot of Christmas. The mystery was fun, the twists were great, the cast of characters were perfect. This is a perfect bridge of Halloween and Christmas cheer and I can’t wait to see what else Liz Ireland has up her sleeve!

Thank you so much @Kensington for the gifted copy! Mrs. Claus and the Halloween Homicide is out 9/28!

I chose this ARC from NetGalley, because I couldn’t resist. I love a holiday book, and the description of this was irresistibly clever. I enjoyed it quite a bit, and am excited to find and read the first in this series. Witty and highly readable!

This second volume of the Mrs. Claus Mysteries series is not quite as charming as the first. April Claus is still learning how to be the Mrs. when she convinces the citizens of the North Pole to celebrate Halloween, a holiday that they know nothing about. Not everyone is happy about this plan, with social media insults, pumpkin smashing, and attempted murder all leading up to an actual murder. Once again, April joins forces with Jake Frost to solve the crime, just in time for Halloween. Santa and Mrs. Claus do not spend a lot of time together, and his mother, the "dowager Mrs. Claus," is currently living with them, so life is more stressful than one would imagine at the North Pole. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing an ARC.

April Claus is married to Nick Claus, quite the life change for a girl from Oregon who finds she's fallen in love with Santa Claus. Christmastown is now home and April decides to introduce Halloween festivities to the locals. Who isn't up for pumpkin carving, apple bobbing, dressing up in costume and eating candy? Turns out there is resistance to her plans and all of the pumpkins are smashed into puree. It doesn't stop there and elf Tiny Sparkletoe is found squashed outside his cottage, right in the middle of a giant snowy footprint. Well that triggers chaos and Mrs. Claus starts her own investigation to track down the elf killer and restore order to the North Pole. After all, Christmas is just around the corner.
Pairing Halloween and Christmas at the North Pole with Mr and Mrs Claus as the main characters becomes pitch perfect in this wonderful fantasy mystery. Humans, elves, a talking horse and so many more inhabit Santaland. Put it all together with a very well developed mystery and I was a happy reader. I would advise reading Mrs. Claus and the Santaland Slayings to get all of the back story. If you can't get your hands on a copy ASAP then don't hesitate - treat yourself to a Halloween escape, it works fine as a standalone.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

I loved this one! It is very, very funny. The mystery is solid and the setting perfect. I mean who wouldn't love a Halloween mystery in Christmastown.? It is so much fun!