The Santa Claus Killer

by RJ Smith

Storyteller Entertainment, LLC; Original edition

ISBN:  9780989675321

(May 15, 2013)  Paperback:  $12.68 eBook $7.49 

Review by Kat Yares 

This book is unlike any other serial killer fiction I’ve read.  It in no way takes itself seriously and that is superbly refreshing if you are like me and appreciate a bit of comedic relief as you read.  Mr. Smith introduces one of the most chaotic, psychotic serial killers I’ve ever had the pleasure to read.  This guy is nuts and because of his craziness, I actually had some sympathy for him.

The Santa Claus Killer ( a Santa that kills other Santas) is a new take on an old theme, and yet it works and works well.  As the reader follows along in the killer’s mind, we see inspiration from Son of Sam and from Ed Gein as well as lesser bits of other well known serial killers in real life.  As the story plays out, you have to wonder what motivates this guy  (besides the voices in his head) and it is mind blowing when you reach the end and discover how it all began.

For the policemen and the FBI task force assigned to find this guy, he always manages to stay one step ahead while continuing his rampage of murdering Santas and other people along the way.  As with all police departments and FBI units, there is some fumbling and bumbling along the way and many secrets to be unfolded and discovered.

Written in a truly unique style that lies somewhere between a screenplay, a novel and a picture-less comic book, Mr. Smith throws new twists and turns at you on almost every page.  He also paints a picture of New York City at Christmas time that I hope to never see.

With action of some sort on every page, you also get to enjoy a number of pop culture and current events that play into the plot driving you to turn to the next page.  There is a bit of authorial intervention, but it really doesn’t take anything away from a good read.  I understand that this is going to be the first in a series and I, for one, am looking forward to the next book.  I like Mr. Smith’s style of storytelling – it’s that fresh and different.  And the next time I see a Santa – I do believe I will shutter and find a way out of the room.