St. Nick

By: Alan Russell

Narrated by: Patrick Lawlor

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.

©2013 Alan Russell (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Best book I read all year!

I loved the flow of the story line, the story content and the ending was a tear jerker.

Just right for the season.

A great story for the Christmas season. I enjoyed every minute. Perfect for this season.

Great narration, good story. Not what I expected.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this audiobook as a holiday feel-good story. However, I would not recommend it as a mystery book. The mystery was really more of a side plot while the main plot focused around Nick helping children as Santa Claus and discovering himself.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

The plot didn't really keep me on the edge of my seat. It wasn't exactly a thriller. It was very heart warming and heart breaking at times though and I was invested in that.

Which character – as performed by Patrick Lawlor – was your favorite?

My favorite character that he performed was Raymond. He did a really good job of portraying a sick child in a hospital.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. Like I said, not exactly a thriller or anything. Doesn't mean I didn't like it, though. Just that I could go awhile without listening and not feel like I was missing anything.

Any additional comments?

It was a good holiday story. If you're looking for a mystery, though, you might feel a little disappointed.

wonderful!

I enjoyed everything about this book! Truly brought back to me the true meaning of Christmas

Wonderful Christmas story!

This was the perfect book to listen to before Christmas. Had no idea what it was about but so glad I got it. Wonderful characters, Loved it!

A Great Christmas Story

What made the experience of listening to St. Nick the most enjoyable?

The way that Nick gradually turned his attitude around! It wasn't an overnight change. His past was brought in by his old co-workers and you got to make new friends with him. It was very down to earth and heartwarming. There's not a lot of excitement and mystery, but it's a re-coming of age.

What was one of the most memorable moments of St. Nick?

There were quite a few. I loved the developing relationships.

Which character – as performed by Patrick Lawlor – was your favorite?

Nick Pappas, he was a good character and Patrick Lawlor really brought him to life.

Any additional comments?

I will listen to this book every Christmas. It is a little corny, but I like well done corny.

Paul Blart meets Hissan for Christmas.

it kept me entertained all the way to the end and the narration never annoyed me like alot of audio books do. the ending actually felt ok. Generally they feel drawn out too much, just a hint here but not bad. however it does have the feel of a mash up of other media with Christmas thrown in. all said I'm not sorry I spent the money on it but it's not a re-listen.

Nick

If you could sum up St. Nick in three words, what would they be?

This is a feel good tale that has a broken man as the lead. During the month of December, we go from suicidal to a healed believer of Santa Clause. This catches you from the first chapter until the end. Believe me, you don't want to be driving with the last chapter. Your smiling and crying at the same time.

What did you like best about this story?

I love how Nick continued visiting a terminally child throughout the book.
And I liked a great deal of the mall camaraderie.

Which scene was your favorite?

The first time Nick put on a Santa suit.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

If I had the time I would.

Uplifting Christmas Story

This story was quite uplifting and positive- it catches the spirit of Christmas. The narrator was very good.

Pleasant surprise

Was reluctant to start this book, but really enjoyed it. Thought it was well written and well performed. Nothing earthshaking, but leaves you feeling good. I thought it was time well spent.