Secret Santa by Sierra Dean
Secret McQueen, Book 2.5
Samhain Publishing
Paranormal
ISBN: 978-1-60928-635-4
Reviewed by Jo

Secret McQueen is having a hard time with life right about now. After so many years as the Vampire Council’s executioner and being feared by the things that walk in the dark, now she can hardly pick up her sword without having bodyguards get in the way. It’s enough to drive a girl crazy and when you add on top of that needing to find the perfect gift for her werewolf boyfriends, you get a stress filled holiday season.

So when Secret is asked to help locate a mass murderer who is attacking teenagers by her detective friend, she instantly agrees. There is certainly something strange about the murders but Secret can’t quite put her finger on what it is. The hunt is on and Secret has asked for aid from the vampire who trained her and now wants more. When a teen Secret knows taken, the holidays take a fast and deadly turn. There is nothing Secret won’t do to track down the thing who is taking and murdering the teens in time to save the day. This is one holiday that is going to be merry if Secret has anything to say about it, dang it!

When the stockings are filled with body parts, Secret goes on the hunt for the stocking filler. Secret Santa gives a brief view of the holidays – Secret style. While everyone else is worried about getting the right gift, Secret has that and a murderer to find. Watching Secret juggle her boyfriends, the cops, her old handler, along with hunting for a serial killer was an interesting type of holiday story. But I would not expect any other type of holiday when it involves Secret McQueen. What had me smiling was listening as Secret did the truly girly thing of worrying about her relationships, only to be faced with a potential new one. I can tell you that if given the choice of dealing with her boyfriends and relationships or be on the hunt for a killer – Secret will pick the killer every time. Secret Santa is an unusual holiday story filled with murder, passion and lots of action. The perfect solution for the sentimental sweetness this time of year.