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singalana's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I picked this book as “seasonally appropriate” since it takes place during Christmas. There's an author's note before the story starts that this probably isn't a book you should gift to your grandma, and I agree. Also, some of the language is dated, there's animal cruelty and some men "being men" (aka sexist behaviour), so be warned.
I'm not sure about the genre. Despite the name, there isn't much terror unless you count swearing and sex jokes. Maybe magical realism? I don't know how to classify the book.
There's a vast cast of characters who have appeared in other books, but I didn't find it hard to follow the story or the characters. The story starts when a boy sees a man in a Santa costume murdered. He asks an angel to make Santa come back to life. And mayhem ensues.
This book has more swearing, drugs and (tasteless) sex jokes than what I'd expect from a Christmas book. But it was also less funny and less terrifying than I expected. But I have to admit that I liked the ending, hence the rating.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Misogyny, Sexism, and Sexual content
Minor: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Death, Drug use, Gun violence, Mental illness, Rape, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail