The Fat Man: A Tale of North Pole Noir

The Fat Man: A Tale of North Pole Noir by Ken Harmon    288 pages 

When Santa's elf, Gumdrop Coal of the coal patrol, who delivers coal to the naughty children on Santa's list becomes disillusioned with the increasing number of naughty kids he becomes a one elf vigilante and goes after the naughty kids parents for raising such vile little monsters.  Unfortunately the first parent he goes after a former naughty list alumni and what was a road house beat down turns into a case of murder with Gumdrop going on the lam to prove he wasn't the murderer just the hooligan who beat the sugar plums out of the guy.   It is a fun story with lots of Christmas characters and references throughout.   A joyful read with lots of laughs and a wonderfully 1940s noir take on the story of Santa being misused and abandoned while Gumdrop does everything in his power to restore the fat man to his former beloved state.   A great story I recommend for all ages.   A dark twist on Santa's story but a brilliant one.   A new holiday classic perhaps.

 - Shirley J.

Sleep No More

Sleep No More by P. D. James    208 pages

Really good book.    The stories are so deliciously told you just want to curl up with a warm beverage and a blanket and cozy in for the night while you read away on these delicious stories.    Sometimes the killer is known and for many good reasons the story leaves that tidbit as a sort of gift to the reader.   Sometimes nostalgia plays a big part but P. D. James always leaves the reader with a glow of satisfaction in having received the present of a good story well told and here you get six!   Treat yourself to this one.   You will be glad you did.