St. Nick by Alan Russell

St. Nick

by Alan Russell

When Santa Claus is a cop, you better watch out.It’s not looking like a very merry Christmas for San Diego cop Nick Pappas. Suspended from his job, alienated from his family, and persecuted by the press, he’s sorely tempted to turn his gun on himself. Except for his first name, he couldn’t possibly have less in common with jolly old St. Nicholas. But when a local mall decides it needs a secret Santa to help collar some vicious muggers preying on its holiday shoppers, Nick’s persuaded to red-suit up so as to take the naughty punks down and avert a ho-ho homicide. For a chance to bust bad guys, Nick’s willing to deal with crying kids, pushy parents, and a chronically cheerful “elf” sidekick. But the biggest challenge for this cop-turned-Claus is one that would confound even the real Kris Kringle: making a pair of next-to-impossible Christmas wishes come true for two children in need…before it’s too late.

Reviewed by lovelybookshelf on

4 of 5 stars

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In college, my flute professor once told me (after I complained about a piece she assigned me), "Sometimes cheesy isn't a bad thing." That was basically sums up this book for me. I mean, a cop is the main character. NOT my kind of book! (Book club is the only reason I read it at all.) Cheesy, kinda goofy, with a subtle romance and predictable tug-at-the-heart moments. I'm confused that I liked this as much as I did. It was a nice, fun read. Maybe I just needed something light and wholesome?

3.5 stars, rounding up to 4 out of Christmas cheer.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 19 November, 2017: Finished reading
  • 19 November, 2017: Reviewed