Valentine's Day is a special occasion, even in snowy Santaland, and April Claus is also looking forward to her friend Claire's wedding to Jake Frost at Castle Kringle on the most romantic of days. It's four years since her own rather low-key marriage to THE Santa Claus, who seems more of a workaholic than ever, and this time her mother in law is going all out. Feeling a little bereft April throws herself into a murder investigation when a much loved and respected elf suffers a fatal collapse in front of the wedding party! With murmurings of bad luck and suggestions of postponements can she save the day while putting a little passion into her own special relationship?

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Kensington Publishing, Kensington Cozies, but the opinions expressed are my own. I have read and enjoyed all the Mrs Claus short stories but this was my first full length novel and I loved it. Santa was much more a part of the story and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Pamela, April's mother in law. I will definitely be going back to read the previous books in this fun series which has everything I want in a cosy.

This was a very entertaining cozy mystery! I love how the author created a series around the Claus family in the North Pole with a variety of different characters and personalities. The fun elf names were also a welcome addition as well as living snowmen and talking reindeer.

The mystery was definitely an original one; no overused plots exist in this story and by the end, everything is neatly wrapped up. Santa makes a few appearances; he's more of a supporting character, while his wife takes center stage.

I hope to read more books in this series.

It's finally time for Jack Frost and Claire's wedding, and love is in the air throughout Santaland. That is, until Juniper's sweetheart is murdered at a dress fitting by a poisoned rose in the midst of proposing. Mrs. Claus is determined for Claire's wedding to be perfect, and it can't be with a mysterious death hanging over everyone's heads--especially when there's a possibility a member of the bridal party was a real target.

I love this series so much, and will continue to read about Mrs. Claus solving crime for as long as it runs. It's just such a fun concept that never gets old, with each book introducing new fun tidbits about Santaland, the elves, and the other creatures that live there. Not to mention, the intriguing mysteries at the center of each book, with this one being no exception. There plenty of potential targets and suspects that kept me guessing.

Thanks to Kensington for my eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

5 stars - 9/10

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing Corp. for the opportunity to read "Mrs. Claus and the Very Vicious Valentine" in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is the 6th holiday that the reader gets to spend with Mrs. April Claus in Christmastown. This time everyone is all excited because Claire's wedding to Jake Frost is just a few days away. Most of the time is spent at Madame Neige's shop with dress and veil fittings. Claire, who like April moved from Cloudberry Bay to Christmastown found true love with a relative of Jack Frost's. There is an interesting new character called Dolly Frost - a cousin of Jake's who has a weird fixation with him and becomes rather dewy-eyed when she sees him and is more enthusiastic about the upcoming wedding than the bride.

Of course, what Mrs. Claus mystery would be complete without murder and mayhem. April and Jake join forces once again to solve a complicated puzzle. Flowers start appearing and framing Ivy for attempting to kill someone in the wedding party. Claire is acting odd leaving all important wedding decisions to Madame Neige and April's mother-in-law , the dowager Mrs. Claus. When someone does end up dead - Constable Crinkles and Deputy Ollie (who couldn't catch anyone if they tried) are not taking called from the doctor or the coroner because they are busy with a chocolate contest.

It's up to April (as always) to put the pieces together and solve yet another murder in Christmastown.

I am not a huge fan of holiday-themed stories, but while this technically is (I guess), I just love this quirky series. April’s friend is about to get married, but she’s not acting right. Add to that, a poisoned rose was delivered to the wedding party’s fitting. With the standard cute and funny Christmas-related humor, a well-written plot, and a whodunit sure to please mystery fans, this is a well-written, amusing, and cute tale sure to please fans of all types. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

I have read several books in this series and found myself caught up very quickly with the story and all the characters. Reading these books in order is probably a good idea but I still would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys paranormal mysteries with a touch of romance. I received an e-book from NetGalley in return for an unbiased review.