St. Nick

By: Alan Russell

Narrated by: Patrick Lawlor

Length: 8 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

I couldn't stop crying...

Didn't think this would be a tear jerker. I stand to be corrected. Not too violent. Just enough performance to make you question what was around the next bend. If you've heard the other novels...you won't be disappointed.

Super holiday story

Heart warming, humorous, and filled with the holiday spirit. Love narrator. Always good to hear him. Will listen again. And likely again.

Moving story--especially at Christmas

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

Yes. The story has substance, good writing, and perfect narration. It will bring you hope as you watch the protagonist despair, then heal, then transform.

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

Not particularly, although I wondered at first just how damaged he was and would he eat his gun? However, the plot was sufficient to be enjoyable--especially since it was so adroitly performed by Patrick Lawlor. I think there was more tension in The Burning Man, also written by Alan Russell, but this wasn't iintrinsically such a tense story.

Which scene was your favorite?

Planning for a San Diego snowfall? Santa with a wet lap? Old man dragging shopping bags out through the parking lot? His constant and continuing visits to the pediatric hospital?

Too many to choose.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Can't say without spoilers.

Any additional comments?

My own system:
Overall = 4 [Glad I read it, enjoyed the story, but no problem "returning" the book to Amazon for check out another Unlimited story.]
Storyline = 4.5 [Unusual. Believable. Even aspects that were extraordinary were done acceptably.]
Characters = 5 [Excellent personalities, developed deeply enough to recognize how they would act/react in a given situation.]
Sex = 4 [Reasonable for the circumstances.]
Writing = 4.5 [Nicely done. Enjoyable, with a nice flow.]
Narration = 5 [Easy to follow, even at the 3x speed I prefer. Patrick Lawlor has a natural flow and easy rhythm.
I enjoyed the story and wonder if it will stay with me as The Burning Man has.

A Delightful Christmas Surprise!

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

Charming, funny, inspiring.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The main character, Nick Pappas. He was a great narrator throughout the story whose character grew and changed in ways that, although predictable, were presented with such agreeable prose, good humor and magical inspiration that it made the journey with him worth taking.

Which scene was your favorite?

Lots of great scenes that moved the plot along effortlessly.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The scene at the end with Ronald and the snow. Could have been maudlin, but wasn't.

Any additional comments?

This Daily Deal purchase was a surprisingly well-plotted, well-written, funny and charming book. A great Christmas season 'listen' while baking cookies, wrapping presents and waiting for St. Nick!

Wonderful

A wonderful Christmas Story on so many levels. It touched my heart and I am sure it will touch every reader.

Santa Steve

Wonderful Christmas Story

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

Yes but only at Christmas

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

I can't say without spoiling them.

Which scene was your favorite?

Any of them that made me laugh out loud.

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

I don't sit when I listen to a book. I don't want to walk for eight hours at a stretch but looking forward to listening to this book made me want to get my daily walks in.

Any additional comments?

I found it annoying that all the action scenes were all related in the past tense. Even if the action is taking place in the present the story jumps ahead to tell you what happened in the past.

A happy sad ending

This is one of those books I didn't want to turn off. It was full of funny, sad, and serious situations. This one will be on my listen to again list next Christmas.

Just what I needed!

This book has just what I was looking for. As I write this, it’s the day before Christmas Eve. This story has the perfect balance of action, humor, warmth, and Christmas cheer. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has a soft spot Christmas in their heart, and a lingering thrill of action in their soul.

Ho ho ho! Merry Christmas!!!

Pretty Sappy

Yes, it's one of those really sappy Christmas stories, but what would the Season be without at least one of those.

Sweet and happy

Sometimes you just need a sweet book that’s just filled with good and this is it. Made me forget all the troubles going on right now.