I’ll admit Liz Ireland’s Mrs. Claus and the Very Vicious Valentine was released in October. The publisher probably expected it to be a Christmas book. I saved it for Valentine’s weekend instead. The sixth book in the Mrs. Claus series was a charming book, perfect for the season.

April met Nick Claus at her inn in Oregon, and they married and moved home to Santaland four years earlier. With all the hubbub about Valentine’s week, April feels as if she and Nick lost a touch of romance. But, her best friend, Claire is getting married to Jake Frost on Valentine’s Day. Between wedding preparations and her job as judge of the Valentine’s Tournament of Chocolate, April has her plate full. Who needs a murder?

Claire and her bridesmaids are at a dress fitting when an elf shows up to propose to Juniper, the town librarian. As he tries to present her with a corsage, he pricks himself on a thorn, and dies soon after. Everyone blames the local florist. When another elf is poisoned, everyone starts pointing fingers. April joins forces with Jake, the groom and a private detective to try to find the killer and save the wedding.

I’m addicted to these charming stories, set at the North Pole. Ireland populates Santaland with a wonderful cast of supporting characters, including the Claus family, elves, reindeer and snowmen. There’s humor and mystery. We see this world through April’s eyes. She’s still a newbie there, and sometimes doesn’t understand all the implications of life there. Her innocence when it comes to this new world adds to the enjoyment.

Every book in the series stands alone, but it’s more fun if you start with the first one, Mrs. Claus and the Santaland Slayings.

Liz Ireland’s website is https://lizireland.wordpress.com/

Mrs. Claus and the Very Vicious Valentine by Liz Ireland. Kensington Publishing Corp., 2025. 265p.

FTC Full Disclosure – The publisher sent an ARC with no promise of a review.