Book Review: The Santa Killer by Ross Greenwood

I am so pleased to be welcoming Ross Greenwood back to Novel Kicks. He’s here with the blog tour for his novel, The Santa Killer.

The Santa Killer is coming to town…

One night less than two weeks before Christmas, a single mother is violently assaulted. It’s a brutal crime at the time of year when there should be goodwill to all. When DI Barton begins his investigation, he’s surprised to find the victim is a woman with nothing to hide and no reason for anyone to hurt her.

A few days later, the mother of the woman attacked rings the police station. Her granddaughter has drawn a shocking picture. It seems she was looking out of the window when her mother was attacked. And when her grandmother asks the young girl who the person with the weapon is, she whispers two words.

Bad Santa.

The rumours start spreading, and none of the city’s women feel safe – which one of them will be next?

He’s got a list. It’s quite precise. It won’t matter even if you’re nice.

*****

A woman is violently attacked two weeks before Christmas. When DI Barton and his team begin to investigate, there seems to be no motive for the attack.

The daughter of the victim produces a drawing whilst whispering two words ‘Bad Santa.’

Can they find the Santa Killer before he attacks the next person on his list?

I have become such a fan of the DI Barton series that I couldn’t wait to get started on the latest book, The Santa Killer.

As with previous novels, it didn’t take long for me to be completely enthralled in this story. Ross has a great skill in getting you completely invested in the plot quickly and before you know it, it’s the early hours of the morning and you realise you’ve read the whole book in one session.

I love DI Barton. He is one of my favourite fictional detectives. In a lot of ways, he is uncomplicated. He’s simply a family man who is struggling with the commitment to his job whilst balancing family life, something a lot of us can relate to. He also has a great, strong team around him and there isn’t one of them I don’t like.

This story, like the others in the series builds well and the tension and suspense is strong. I couldn’t figure out what was going on and who was responsible and this had me guessing all the way through. Twists and turns aplenty. I needed to know how everything fitted together.

The juxtaposition between the crimes being committed and it being set at Christmas sets a really intense, gritty atmosphere. Aside from the murder investigation, this book highlights some serious concerns around the cost of living and the horrible conditions many families are facing as well as issues surrounding mental health – Glenn especially.

I am not going to say anything else as I really don’t want to give away any spoilers. What I will say is, if any one who commissions TV shows happens to be reading, this series would make an excellent adaptation. Just saying!

The Santa Killer is a well plotted, compelling crime novel and perfect if you’re looking for a new crime series or to fill the Line of Duty void. As I understand it, this could be Barton’s last outing. Although I am looking forward to the next novel from Ross Greenwood, I hope it’s not the last we see of John Barton.

About Ross Greenwood:

Ross Greenwood is the author of crime thrillers.

Before becoming a full-time writer he was most recently a prison officer and so worked everyday with murderers, rapists and thieves for four years.

He lives in Peterborough.

Say hello to Ross via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Bookbub. Click here to sign up to his newsletter. 

The Santa Killer was released by Boldwood Books on 12th September 2022. Click to buy on Amazon UK and Waterstones. 

by

Laura

I'm Laura. I started Novel Kicks back in 2009 as I wanted a place to discuss books and writing - two loves of my life. As someone who has anxiety, these two things give me, and I am sure countless others, a much needed escape.
There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone.
I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha.
I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then.
When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time.
I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.