ABOUT THE BOOK
She’s making a list, she’s checking it twice…
Jessica Williams loves Christmas: the food, the drink, the fairy lights, the opportunities to take out all the miserable people who ruin the festive season for others. And what better cover for her murderous intentions than taking a job as Mrs Claus at the Ellsbury Christmas Market grotto? After all, who would possibly think Mrs Claus could stab a man through the eye with a Phillips-head screwdriver?
Fearne Dixon hates Christmas. As the long-suffering wife of the Ellsbury Christmas Market’s manager, she’s sick to the back teeth of it and it’s still only November. But then the bodies start piling up, an old rival arrives back in her life, and Fearne reaches breaking point.
When the lives of the two women collide, who will end up on the Naughty List?
MY REVIEW
Holy Killer Read! Yes, another Christmas tale, but with a twist. It’s a dark funny page-turner that balances the macabre with a hearty dose of humor.
Jessica Williams loves Christmas and is a Mrs. Claus serial killer with a Dexter vibe. How could you not love a character who is delightfully unhinged and hell-bent on restoring the Christmas spirit by taking out those horrendous holiday grinches on her naughty list?
Fearne Dixon is stuck in a joyless marriage. She’s the perfect foil to Jessica’s wildness and somehow gets caught up in this twisted tale. It’s such an interesting dynamic that shows how drastically different lives can intersect when you least expect it.
Just when you think you’ve got the characters figured out, we’re introduced to a smorgasbord of others: Hanna, Sebastian, Alvi, Immy, Lena, Bella Donna, Erin… the list goes on! Honestly, it’s a lot to keep track of, and while the vibes were there, it felt somewhat overwhelming at times.
The plot is definitely a wild goose chase. The book couldn’t quite decide if it wanted to be a campy satire or a cozy crime tale, which is where it stumbled a little. Elements like serial murder, found families, animal rescues, and… wait for it… werewolf erotica? Yeah, it’s a lot to juggle. Towards the end, it was twist after twist, but it seemed to lack a solid resolution.
But hey, maybe I’m overthinking it. After all, despite its chaotic nature, it was still a cutting and chaotic holiday thrill. If you’re looking for something festive with a twist—and with a blend of murder, mayhem, and maybe a few laughs—How to Slay at Christmas could be your perfect pick this season. Just remember to embrace the chaos and enjoy the ride!
Thank you to Ms. Bonner for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sarah grew up in Salisbury, dreaming of a career as a writer and performer. Instead, she became an accountant! After a fifteen-year career, she decided to answer her original calling and completed her first novel which was published in 2022. Her latest book HOW TO SLAY ON HOLIDAY was published in February 2025 and follows Chloe as she heads to a luxurious Mykonos villa to help shore up her alibi before she kills her horrible husband.
When Sarah isn’t writing, she can normally be found reading or building lego. She lives in Devon with her husband and very spoiled rescue dog.
Follow Sarah on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Bluesky.
